The Paralympic Games got under way in dramatic style last night – and Norfolk once again had a hand in the spectacle.

David Hunter, chief executive at Fakenham Racecourse, took the official oath on behalf of judges at the Games, pledging to uphold the ideals of sportsmanship and impartiality.

Mr Hunter will be in London as the chef d'equipe for the Great Britain para-dressage team.

Last night's opening ceremony included starring roles for the Queen, Professor Stephen Hawking and Joe Townsend, a double amputee Afghan war veteran who entered the Olympic Stadium on a zip wire.

Speaking to the EDP before the Games, Mr Hunter said he was optimistic at his team's medal chances.

'There is no room for complacency,' he said. 'It will be a tough competition particularly as it is the first Games we have been to with five riders instead of seven, a change made by the Paralympic Federation to limit nations to five riders. But I am hopeful we will have a successful Games off the back of such a successful Olympics.'

Mr Hunter's role means that he oversees everything regarding the team, from the accommodation to ensuring riders are in the right place at the right time and that they, their carers and the horses have everything they need throughout the competition which will be at Greenwich Park.