Staffordshire's Lee Pearson chosen to carry Paralympic flag in Rio

Credit: PA Images

Staffordshire's Lee Pearson has been named as Paralympic Team GB's flag bearer for the opening ceremony in Rio.

He was nominated for the honour by his fellow athletes as one of the team’s most decorated and experienced athletes.

The 42-year-old from Cheddleton has won 12 Paralympic medals including 10 gold in para-equestrianism in Sydney, Athens, Beijing and London.

He needs two more golds to overtake wheelchair racer Tanni Grey-Thompson as Britain's most successful Paralympian.

He says he's 'proud and honoured' to carry the flag for the British athletes.

Lee Pearson with his horse Zion during the ParalympicsGB team announcement. Credit: PA Images