The 22-year-old had a stunning 2010 when she claimed a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, set a number of Paralympic records and reached the finals of the GB National Series.

"I'm absolutely overwhelmed by this," said Brown after receiving Blue Peter's highest accolade.

"I had a lovely day out at Downing Street and I am very proud."

Brown, who is widely tipped to claim her second Paralympics gold at London 2012, suffers from reflex sympathetic dystrophy in the feet - a chronic progressive disease characterised by severe pain - and therefore competes sitting down.

Joe McCulloch, deputy editor of Blue Peter, said: "Dani is a true inspiration who has shown that disability needn't hold you back.

"Her achievements, including most recently a gold medal win in archery at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, have shown that disability needn't hold you back."

Tim Hazell, Archery GB Paralympic head coach, added: "I am running out of superlatives for Dani.

"Her success is much merited.

"She works very hard but I'm sure she would be the first to acknowledge the team around her, from her colleagues on the international squad, to the coaching and support staff.

"Dani's success is everyone's success, and we are all very proud of her."

Previous sporting winners of the Blue Peter gold badge include British sporting legends such as David Beckham, Lewis Hamilton, Tim Henman and Jonny Wilkinson.

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