Who's Who, which has been published annually since 1849, is the essential directory of the noteworthy and influential in all walks of life in the UK and worldwide and lists more than 33,000 people who achieved great things.

Claiming to be "the definitive directory of everyone who's anyone in Britain, and beyond, today" Lane joins the likes of pop mogul Simon Cowell and Oscar-winning film director Danny Boyle in the 2011 edition of the book.

"It was quite a surprise," said the 57-year old father-of-four.

"It's one of those things you don't expect to happen, but it's a real pleasure."

Lane, who was made an OBE in 2009 for services to sport, is a former PE teacher at Westcliff High School for Boys and was a rugby coach at clubs including Saracens and Southend before joining ParalympicsGB in 2001.

At the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, Lane, as Chef de Mission, had one of his finest moments as he led Britain to second place in the medal table and he admitted he is hoping for similar success or one better in London 2012.

"We are working very hard and there are lots of new young athletes coming through, so we are hopeful we will put on a very good show," he said.

Former British Paralympic swimmer and current Director of Paralympic Integration for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Chris Holmes, a nine-time Paralympic gold medalist, also features in the 2011 edition of Who's Who alongside Lane as does triple Olympic gold medallist cyclist and Team Sky rider Bradley Wiggins.

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