91Èȱ¬

The career of a Paralympic athlete who has won 36 international medals has been celebrated after his retirement at the weekend.

Stephen Miller, from Cramlington, Northumberland, has won three gold medals at the Paralympics since his debut aged 16 in the club throw event.

The 44-year-old, who was born with cerebral palsy, retired after taking part in the CP Sport National Championships on Sunday and a celebration was held at St James' Park in Newcastle.

Miller said: "I'm just very grateful for all the opportunities that I've had, all the amazing experiences, and it's really great that I can get this moment to celebrate that."

Miller added he had "a million stories" to tell about each medal and a lot of work had gone into winning them.

He has taken part in six Paralympic events since his debut at the 1996 Atlanta games, gaining six medals in total.

His last international appearance was at the 2021 European Championships in Poland, where he finished fourth.

Miller said: "Just getting the opportunity to compete at that level at the Paralympics is very special."

Bronze-medal shot put winner Anna Nicholson, originally from Brampton in Cumbria, and a member of Gateshead Harriers, said Miller had been a "huge inspiration" for her.

Nicholson, who won her first Paralympic medal at the Paris games last week, said: "It shows what athletes with cerebral palsy can do and that he's not just a disabled person, he is an athlete as well and when you look at him, he's fantastic."

Daniel West, Miller's roommate at five of the Paralympics he competed at, was also at the event to celebrate his career.

West, a silver medallist, said: "I personally don't know someone like Stephen, that's had the length of career that he's had and been able to achieve all the things he's achieved.

"But also to do all the stuff around developing sport for other disabled youngsters up here in the North East - I think he's been amazing."

Miller said he would have to go "back to the real world" and get a job, now his career as an athlete was over.

However, he said he remained committed to developing sport for disabled athletes in the region.

Follow 91Èȱ¬ North East on , , and . Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.