A young woman who completed the London Marathon despite losing both her legs to meningitis has been invited to tea by Tony Blair.

Clare Forbes, 21, of Flamsteed Heights, Broadfield, Crawley, received the invitation last week to visit the Prime Minister at No. 10 Downing Street.

She has already decided what she will ask - can Brighton and Hove Albion have a new stadium?

The invitation includes a seat in Mr Blair's stand to watch the Trooping of the Colour on Saturday.

Clare, who was struck down by the brain bug in 2001, said she thought the letter from the PM was someone playing a trick at first.

She said: "I was so shocked when I read it. I thought it must have been a joke so I gave it to my step-dad Eiffie to read and he said it wasn't.

"Then we got the parking permit and the actual invitation."

Clare said she had to ring and ask what she should wear and then went straight to Bluewater to buy a smart jacket and trousers.

She said: "When I go through security at No. 10 the metal detector is going to go mad because of my legs.

"I don't know what I'm going to say to him but Eiffie and my brother-in-law John said I have to ask about the stadium. I hope that doesn't stop him talking to me.

"I'm getting really nervous about it now. I'm going to take my autograph book."

Clare was hailed a hero when she crossed the finishing line of this year's London Marathon after 19 hours and ten minutes.

The skin on one leg had rubbed off due to the friction of her prosthetic legs and it took her a couple of weeks to recover.

She has already decided to take part in the New York marathon in November which she will complete with her step-father Eiffie Verboort at her side as always.

Clare also plans to take part in the Crawley fun run next month and the Hyde Park women's race in September.

She also plans to do the Great South Run and has been asked to greet runners as they finish the Great North Run in Northampton.