Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Britain’s greatest ever Paralympian, has accepted an invitation to join the board of UK Athletics (UKA).

Dame Tanni, who has eleven Paralympic gold medals and 6 London Marathon victories to her name, will offer an athlete’s perspective as a non-executive board member.

Commenting on her appointment, UKA Chairman Ed Warner said: “Tanni is one of the leading athletes of our time, she knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level and we need to tap into that experience at board level. She will bring unique insight and experience to the board and will help shape the future of UKA and our sport.”

Dame Tanni, who retires today after her final race at the Visa Paralympic World Cup, said: “I am passionate about athletics and feel I have a lot to offer the sport.

"When Ed invited me to join the UKA board he gave me an opportunity to make a real difference from the inside. I am looking forward to working with Ed and the rest of the board to drive our sport forward to 2012 and beyond.”

Dame Tanni will take up her post as a UK Athletics non-executive board member with immediate effect.