LOTHERSDALE champion archer Danielle Brown met one of her former teachers when she performed the honours at the opening of a new school sports hall.

The double Paralympic gold medallist was invited to cut the ribbon at the formal unveiling of the £3 million facility at North Halifax Grammar School.

And she came face-to-face – for the first time in 11 years – with Andrew Fisher, who taught her English literature when she was a student at South Craven School in Cross Hills.

He has been principal at North Halifax since 2013.

"I enjoyed English literature when I was at school so I have fond memories of Mr Fisher," said Danielle, 29, star of the Beijing and London Olympics.

"I've now gone on to write six children's books, which will be published once the illustrations are done, so his teaching definitely paid off!

"It's always lovely to come into schools. There's nothing better than encouraging the kids and our future talent.

"Sport and education go hand in hand.

"The attributes essential for success in sport – self motivation, drive and perseverance – are also essential for education.

"Having a great sports facility is not about just looking good, but also about attracting people to sport and giving the opportunity to play it.

"I believe there is a sport for everyone, you just need to go out and find it."

Mr Fisher said it was "an absolute delight" to welcome Danielle to the sports hall opening, which marked the culmination of a two-year refurbishment and rebranding exercise at the school.

"She is a terrific role model to have here," he added.

"I remember teaching Danielle and she was a great student – I could see she would have success, even then.

"The opening of our new sports hall and the renovation and rebranding of our whole school is a brilliant achievement for us and will hopefully stand us in good stead for the future."

Danielle was a world number-one throughout her international career.

As well as winning gold at consecutive Paralympic Games, she took three world championship titles.

And in 2010 she made history by becoming the first disabled athlete to represent England in an able-bodied discipline, winning a team gold.

Her Paralympic career came to an end in November, 2013, when a classification test ruled she was no longer eligible to compete as a disabled archer.

Danielle – who was awarded the MBE in recognition of her achievements – now works as a speaker, mentor and coach.

"I always look at the opportunities that life presents," she said.

"If I wasn't disabled I would never have competed in the Paralympics, I would not have won gold medals, I would not be working with children or have a law degree.

"Being disabled has turned my life around. You have to look at the positives."