Paralympics torch relay runs late

A second torch had to be created to ensure the flame can be lit at the Paralympics opening ceremony yesterday after the torch relay ran two hours behind schedule.

Thousands of people watched the flame pass by some of London's most famous landmarks ahead of the ceremony that will kick off the biggest and most-watched Paralympic Games in history.

Organisers insisted that reduced breaks in the relay would claw back the time, but a back-up flame has been created to ensure it can be used at the ceremony at the Olympic Stadium.