Last-minute call-up for Paralympic athletes

The British Paralympic Association has named two new members of its London 2012 squad.

Cyclist Crystal Lane and footballer Matthew Ellis will now have the chance to compete for medals when the Paralympic Games begin at the end of the month.

Lane, who won a bronze at last year's Para-cycling Road World Championship, narrowly missed out on selection but injuries mean there is now a place for her on the team.

Meanwhile, Ellis will take the place of Josh Beacham in Team GB's seven-a-side football team.

Craig Hunter, the Paralympics GB chef de mission, said: "It is very sad for those whose injuries have meant that they can no longer join the team in London, but I would like to congratulate Crystal and Matthew on their selection.

"In particular, I'm delighted that Crystal has joined the team. She has worked very hard and I am pleased that we are now in a position to welcome her to ParalympicsGB."

The Paralympics begin with an opening ceremony on August 29th. So far little has been revealed about the event but co-artistic directors Jenny Sealey and Bradley Hemmings have stressed that the theme of enlightenment will be the crucial idea behind the show.

Hemmings said: "Jenny and I want our Ceremony to be both spectacular and deeply human at the same time.

"Having worked together in outdoor theatre over a number of years we’re determined that the Ceremony should speak from the heart, whilst rising to the emotional and historic occasion of the homecoming of the Paralympic Games."