25 Aug 2012

Teams scale peaks to create Paralympic flames

11:42 am on 25 August 2012

Four teams are scaling the highest peaks of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Tuesday to create the Paralympic flames.

Once at the summits of Scafell Pike, Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Slieve Donard, they will strike flint against steel to spark fire.

The flames will then be carried down in lanterns ahead of celebrations in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, the BBC reports.

The Paralympic Games opening ceremony takes place in London on 29 August.

The teams are made up of scouts, mountain guides and people with disabilities, and are expected to take about four hours to reach the peaks.

New Zealand is sending a team of 26 athletes to London.