Baroness Grey-Thompson takes her oath in the House of Lords

One of Britain's most successful Paralympians, Tanni Grey-Thompson, has taken her place in the House of Lords.

Baroness Grey-Thompson, 40, who won 11 Paralympic gold medals, is a "people's peer", after a House of Lords Appointments Commission recommendation.

She was supported by Lord Coe, chairman of the London 2012 Olympics committee, and Baroness Finlay of Llandaff.

She was born in Cardiff with spina bifida, and first competed for Wales at 15, winning the 100m junior title.

Lady Grey-Thompson, who was recommended for a seat in February, swore her allegiance to the Queen in both English and Welsh.

She was christened Carys Davina Grey, although her sister Sian called her "tiny" when first seeing her, but pronounced it "tanni", and the name stuck.

In her athletic career. the wheelchair racer also won seven world championship gold medals, and set 30 world records.

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