The grant from the Arts Council will be used to buy a new flame lighting mechanism for when the Torch for Sochi 2014 is lit there on March 1. 

"I'm looking forward to seeing what the exact design and appearance of this things is going to be," said David Lidington, the MP for Aylesbury, which includes Stoke Mandeville. 

"I think it's really great news because what this amounts to is formal, official recognition of Stoke Mandeville as birth-place of the Paralympic Movement."

The Flame for the London 2012 Paralympics was lit at Stoke Mandeville ©Getty Images

This mechanism is due a key part in the Flame Lighting Ceremony for Sochi 2014 and will act as a permanent visual reminder of London 2012, where the Flame for the Paralympics was also lit.

After the Flame Lighting Ceremony for Sochi 2014 at Stoke Mandeville Stadium it will visit several local landmarks before a special celebration is held to send it on its way to Russia for the Opening Ceremony on March 7.

The announcement Stoke Mandeville would be involed in all future Paralympic Games Torch Relays, in recognition of the Buckinghamshire's town unique position as the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement, was announced last August to coincide with the first anniversary of the start of London 2012.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
November 2013: Stoke Mandeville organising events for Sochi 2014 Paralympic Torch ceremony
August 2013: Stoke Mandeville to feature in all Paralympic Games Torch Relays
August 2013: Stoke Mandeville set to become permanent home for lighting of Paralympic Flame
January 2013: Bid to make Stoke Mandeville permanent home of Paralympic Torch lighting gathers momentum
November 2012: Support growing for Stoke Mandeville to be made permanent home of Paralympic Torch lighting