A Paralympic torchbearer has spoken of her pride at joining the relay in the area in which her grandfather was born and raised.

Martha Wiseman was chosen to carry the torch as a result of her work as part of the BT disability network, which aims to promote equality in the workplace and educate people about the effects of disabilities.

Reflecting on her experience, she said: “It was a huge honour to be able to carry the Paralympic flame in Tower Hamlets.

“My grandfather was born in Spitalfields in 1906 and grew up in the area, attending one of the local schools, so it was great to come back to somewhere where I had special family history.”

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, met her after she had carried the flame. He said: “It is truly inspiring to meet people like Martha who do a great deal to promote disability awareness.”