The Paralympics 'Enlightenment' opening ceremony

The opening ceremony for the London 2012 Paralympic Games has taken place.

The show, featuring fireworks, dancing and singing, had a theme of scientific discovery, and was narrated by Professor Stephen Hawking.

60,000 spectators in the Olympic Stadium in east London watched more than 3,000 volunteers take part, including many deaf and disabled performers.

The ceremony, called 'Enlightenment' signals the start of 11 days of sporting competition among more than 160 countries.

The BBC's Susana Mendonca reports.

  • UK