Jeremy Hunt: 'Paralympics will be something to be proud of'

The secretary of state for culture, Olympics, media and sport Jeremy Hunt believes that the Paralympics will change people's perceptions when the event gets underway on Thursday.

The Games will be marked by an opening ceremony tomorrow and Hunt is hopeful that the performance of the Team GB athletes will alter how people perceive disabilities.

"For many Brits this will be the first time they have seen the Paralympic Games at all," said Hunt. "It will be a very big moment to really change perceptions and that will be something to be proud of."

Meanwhile, reports have claimed that Coldplay and Rihanna will join together to perform at the closing ceremony on September 9.