SPORTS woman Zoe Robinson is the borough’s golden girl after triumphing in the Beijing Paralympics.

The former Radcliffe Riverside pupil has won her second international trophy by winning the gold medal in the sport of boccia.

Zoe (18) was in the four-strong British team that beat reigning champions Portugal 8-4 to take the mixed team title, the first Paralympic team boccia medal Britain has ever won.

Boccia is similar to the French game of boules or petanque, and is played by people with cerebral palsy. Zoe, of Ashington Drive, Lowercroft, took up the sport only two years ago. She made her international debut at the Boccia World Cup last year in Vancouver, when she was a member of the team which won gold.

The British team was strongly tipped for glory at Beijing, being ranked number one. It included individual gold medallist Nigel Murray, plus David Smith and Dan Bentley.

Among the many cheering Zoe on was her uncle Ray Hibberd (60), who has also used a wheelchair for much of his life following an accident.

“I was absolutely over the moon when I saw a clip of them on TV getting their medals,” he said. “She’s been dealt a bad hand in life, struggled all her life, but she is now top of the tree. I think she’s done great and she should get the accolades that all Olympic athletes get.

“Whether they are disabled or not, they still have to do the work, and it takes a big chunk out of your life. I couldn’t do it!”

Ray couldn’t make the trip to either Vancouver or Beijing, but already has his sights set on the London 2012 games.

“If she’s picked for the team, I’ll be down there like a shot!” he said. “She’s a lovely girl with a great attitude. She’s very pleasant, but also single minded and wants to win. She’s a great example to young people. My chest was so swollen with pride, it’s real Desperate Dan stuff! It’s just so nice to see her grow up and become a young lady, and now this.”

Many local people helped raise the £4,000 that Zoe needed to get to the Paralympics.

Pupils from Heaton Park, Whitefield Primary, All Saints and Elms Bank High all made contributions, while the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers also raised cash to help fund a trip to Beijing for Zoe’s family at their conference earlier this year.

And two Bury councillors, Diana Ashworth and Beverly Sullivan, raised £500 for Zoe by taking part in a sponsored slim.

Council leader Bob Bibby said: “Zoe’s gold medal winning achievements are absolutely outstanding. She is a dedicated and committed sportswoman and I am sure all the people of Bury will agree that she should be congratulated on this success.”