Athletes jetting in for start of Paralympics

Their arrival came on the day four groups of Scouts were climbing four of the UK's highest mountains to create the flame that will light the Paralympic Torch.

The teams were climbing Scafell Pike, Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland, Snowdon, and Ben Nevis.

Once the flame is lit it will be placed in a miner's lantern and brought back down on foot before being transferred to London, Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh for a day of Paralympic celebration at the end of this week and over the bank holiday weekend.

As the athletes arrived today they said they were delighted with the welcome they received. "I have been very well looked after and everyone is smiling," said yachting competitor Jan Apel, 61, from Auckland, New Zealand.

A spinal cord sufferer, Ms Apel flew in from Auckland, via Singapore, with her yachting co-sailor Tim Dempsey, 41, who has muscular dystrophy.

Arriving at Heathrow's Terminal 3, Ms Apel said: "I am looking forward to taking part in the Paralympics."

British Airways said today would be its busiest day for Paralympic arrivals at Heathrow.