Four Paralympic flames have been lit at the top of the highest peaks of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to create the flames in time for next week’s Games.
The four peaks are Slieve Donard (Northern Ireland), Scafell Pike (England), Snowdon (Wales) and Ben Nevis (Scotland).
The flames are being carried down the peaks in lanterns ahead of celebrations in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and a relay from Stoke Mandeville.
The Paralympic Games opening ceremony takes place on Wednesday, August 29.
The four teams are made up of scouts, mountain guides and people with disabilities.
London Olympics chief Lord Coe, who joined scouts as they climbed Snowdon, told the BBC, “We wanted to focus on human endeavour and team work and that’s why, from Stoke Mandeville – the spiritual home of the Paralympic Games – into the Paralympic Stadium, we are going to have a 24-hour relay.”
British Airways said in the run-up to the Games it would be flying in teams from 25 countries, including ParalympicsGB.
Along with the athletes, the airline is also transporting equipment such as 300 wheelchairs, firearms, weapon bags, physiotherapist cases, bike boxes, tandem bikes, bow and arrows, hand cycles and boccia (bocce) kits.
