The 20-year-old from the West Yorkshire town, who won the T34 100 and 200 metres at this summer's Paralympic Games, visited the museum as part of a National Lottery campaign to demonstrate that it is not just sport that benefits from its funding.

The museum is a unique place for families and groups to visit as it looks to inspire children to learn about themselves and the world around them by playing, imagining and experimenting.

The Museum has received almost £600,000 ($965,000/€742,000) in National Lottery funding and Cockroft joined children in a Santa sing-along during her visit.

"National Lottery funding has changed my life by helping me fulfil my sporting potential," said Cockroft.

"I loved competing at the London 2012 Paralympics and Lottery funding is supporting me on my journey to Rio in 2016.

"National Lottery players raise £30 million ($50 million/€37 million) every week, helping a wide variety of good causes. 

"Eureka! The National Children's Museum is a great example.

"It is a wonderful place, educating children in a fun and creative way."

The director of marketing and development at Eureka! The National Children's Museum Michelle Emerson said the pupils from Brotherton and Byram Primary School in Wakefield were delighted to meet Cockroft.

"Christmas came early for our young visitors today," said Emerson.

"It was a joy to see how delighted the children were to meet Hannah and to touch her gold medals.

"Hannah is an inspiration to us all; she shows what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

"National Lottery funding has helped Hannah and Eureka! become so successful.

"National Lottery players should be proud of the difference their funding is making."

National Lottery funding was seen as crucial to Britain's stunning medal success at London 2012, while it is also used to improve local sports clubs and facilities.

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