Tanni-Grey Thompson declared it a ``pretty cool'' experience to be made a dame in the New Year's Honours List, but insisted: `Just call me Tanni.'

Britain's most successful Paralympic track athlete joined double Olympic gold winner Kelly Holmes in receiving fresh recognition for her long and successful career.

``I still can't believe it, I never ever, ever dreamt I would get something like this,'' she said.

``It's really exciting and a great honour, they don't generally give too many out like this to disabled athletes.''

The Welsh-born wheelchair veteran had already been awarded the OBE and MBE, and after a successful summer in Athens, where she won an 11th gold medal, the added recognition has swiftly followed.

The new Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire wound up her outstanding 16-year Paralympic career in the Greek capital in September.

At the age of 35, she has ruled out chasing more Olympic honours.

``'Dame Tanni' ... that sounds pretty cool,'' she said. ``My dad Peter got pretty emotional when he heard what my new title would be.''

Husband Ian, a fellow British international, coaches the spina bifida sufferer, along with Australian Jenni Banks.

Their expertise, and that of her former coaches, played a major role in today's announcement becoming a reality.

The new dame said: ``Roy Anthony from Bridgend, and Dave Williams who has now passed away, helped me immensely.

``Rain or sunshine - and even on Christmas Day - they were there for my coaching sessions. The work that volunteers do is fantastic.''

Grey-Thompson might even have second thoughts about her retirement plans after what looks like being another busy season next year.

``I think this might affect a couple of decisions I have made,'' said the 2004 BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year.

``I'm training hard and have the London Marathon, World Cup and European Championships to get ready for.

``Maybe in the future I'll be able to do some of the meetings I have missed in the past because of the big events.

``I just don't know. But I would like to have a few relaxed races. And wouldn't it be sweet when filling in the entry form crossing out the `Mrs' and inserting `Dame'.

``Seriously, I think and hope that people will continue to remember me as Tanni. Ian just laughs when he hears my new title.''

As well as her coaches, Grey-Thompson paid tribute to those closest to her.

``Throughout my career my family have been so tolerant and terrific when I would jump in from somewhere or other and leave my dirty washing,'' she added.

``They allowed me to be so selfish with what has been an obsession.

``I am ever so grateful of their support.''