A Paralympian has shared the secret of her success with a charity that educates and cares for children and young adults with complex disabilities.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson visited the pupils at the Chailey Heritage Foundation in North Chailey, Lewes.

The athlete played table cricket with the pupils, watched a session of wheelchair dancing and held a question and answer session with the students at the top of the school.

She also had a tour of the gym for young adults and was particularly interested to hear about the charity’s plans for its new centre.

This will be a modern, purpose-built space, large enough for the children and young people at the charity to participate in a mixture of physical activities and arts.

Baroness Grey-Thompson, who is also a House of Lords Peer, broadcaster and mother, said: “I think the big thing for me that the visit has highlighted is what the children and young people can do with individualised support.

“When someone has complex needs that individual support is massive, whether it’s teaching someone to move a finger, driving a wheelchair or being more independent.

“It’s been really inspirational and lovely to see how much the young people enjoy being here.”

Helen Hewitt, chief executive of Chailey Heritage Foundation, said it was a privilege to welcome the guest.

She said: “What a great way to celebrate International Women’s Day on Wednesday with such an inspirational woman sharing her experiences with the children, young adults and rest of the team here.”

Chailey Heritage Foundation is a charity that educates and cares for more than 220 children and young people with complex disabilities and high health needs.

The new Dream Centre will be built on Chailey Heritage Foundation’s existing site, replacing an old assembly hall.

The letters stand for dynamic, real, experiential, amazing and magical.

Having raised £1.8 million so far, the charity is now looking to raise the final £800,000 to build the centre.

Young people with high health needs will be able to enjoy a mixture of sports, performing arts, rebound therapy and a 4D immersive zone.

Development director Sally-Anne Murray said: “We are well known for our pioneering work.

“We are committed to making the centre a reality as soon as possible so that our people can benefit from new experiences and opportunities.”