A 21-YEAR-old woman with down syndrome has struck gold in her first badminton championships.

Hannah Payton, of Gloucester Street, Atherton, triumphed in the mixed doubles of the 4 Nations Para-Badminton International on Sunday alongside her playing partner Louis Howard.

The gold medal she was awarded in Motherwell adds to her collection of swimming silverware which includes two golds, two silvers and two bronzes that the multi-talented sportswoman won in the space of a month last year.

Her mum Jutta, 52, said: "Hannah was elated with winning in her first championship. I am very proud of her.

"She is very busy at the moment too.

"She works at the new Memories tea room at Atherton Town Hall and loves working as an usher at The Lowry theatre in Salford where she has been since August."

Hannah also took part in the singles and doubles tournament at the championship.

Her next badminton tournament takes place at Cannock near Birmingham on March 30.

She will also take place in a regional swimming special olympics event in St Albans on March 9.

On April 6, Hannah will be competing at the European Down Syndrome Championship in Southampton as well.