Malfunctioning Olympic Flame is snuffed out during relay

David Follett in today's relay in Devon before the torch went out Credit: Joe Giddens/LOCOG/PA Wire

The Olympic torch went out for the first time today during the London 2012 relay.

It was was attached to the side of Para-badminton star David Follett's wheelchair in Great Torrington in Devon.

The flame was suddenly snuffed out shortly before 10am.

A spokeswoman for Olympic organisers LOCOG said:

Crowds in Devon watch as the Olympic Flame is re-lit Credit: oe Giddens/LOCOG/PA Wire

A replacement torch was brought out from the convoy of vehicles and was lit from the mother flame.

Follett was left paralysed at the age of 19 when he was struck by a car.

But after returning to college to complete his A-Levels he looked at what sports were available to wheelchair athletes and helped to set up a badminton club.

With his playing partner, Follett has been unbeaten for three years in the four nations competitions and he is now the Para-badminton world No 1 in his class.