'The cheer and roar of the crowds when Team GB came into the stadium was truly uplifting and amazing.'

That was just one of the memories David Hunter, Fakenham Racecourse chief executive, will take away with him from the spectacular London 2012 Paralympic Games opening ceremony last night (Wednesday).

Mr Hunter, ParalympicsGB equestrian team leader, read one of the three oaths in front of some 85,000 spectators and the athletes.

He was asked on Thursday by ParalympicsGB chef de mission Craig Hunter to read out the promise for trainers and coaches.

Mr Hunter said: 'It was a huge honour and it was enjoyable. It will never come my way again. Why they chose me? I'm not quite sure, but it was a great privilege.

'It was the first time I spoke to an audience of 85,000 people. It was fantastic. Climbing up onto the stage, I thought it was fun.'

He described the stadium as 'impressive' and said the London Paralympics felt different to previous years.

Mr Hunter has been team leader for the ParalympicsGB equestrian team over the past 10 years and this year's games will be the third he has been involved with.

'The GB equestrian team has come in as Paralympic gold medalists and hope to retain that, but we will wait and see. There is no room for complacency but we have had a good start,' he added.

Members of the team kicked off their competition today and rider Natasha Baker, of Uxbridge, is currently leading in first place, according to Mr Hunter.