Paralympics Opening Ceremony

The Paralympic opening ceremony has begun at the Olympic Stadium in London.

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War veteran Joe Townsend descends into Olympic stadium

Joe Townsend descends into the stadium with the Paralympic Flame Credit: Press Association

The Paralympic Flame made a stunning entrance into the Olympic Park last night, carried by Royal Marine Joe Townsend.

Townsend descended on a 115 metre zip wire from the Olympic Park's Orbit sculpture into the park.

Joe Townsend in the Olympic park last night Credit: Press Association

Townsend joined the army at 17, and was five months into his first tour of duty in Afghanistan when he lost both legs after stepping on a mine. He is hoping to take part in the triathlon at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

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Edwina Currie accused of insulting Paralympians

Edwina Currie was forced to defend herself on twitter after she said that the Paralympic athletes from Italian were "gorgeous, even in wheelchairs."

Many twitter users were shocked and accused her of insulting people who use wheelchairs. She has not apologised, saying her comments were supposed to be a compliment.

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