TWO decades after winning gold at the Paralympics, Beverley Gull is heading to London 2012.

The 55-year-old former champion swimmer has been chosen as a volunteer for the summer Olympics and Paralympics.

The Games hold a special place in Mrs Gull’s heart, having competed in Seoul in 1988 and Barcelona in 1992. During her first Games, she won three gold medals, for 100m and 400m freestyle and 100m backstroke.

She said: “It is an honour to be selected.

“I am really excited to go along and join in the festivities. It is going to be a magnificent Games.”

Mrs Gull, from Kings Sutton, near Banbury, will work at an information desk and sort results at the Aquatic Stadium in Stratford, East London.

She said: “I would love to see the swimming, that is my roots.”

Mrs Gull, who is an administrator for a supported housing scheme, took up sport as part of her rehabilitation after a 1981 car crash left her in a wheelchair.

Mrs Gull joined Team GB in 1985 and she went on to take 41 international gold medals, 13 silver and three bronze at global events.

She set 13 world freestyle world records and was awarded an MBE in 1992 for services to disabled sport.