“The UK and Stoke Mandeville, as the spiritual birthplace of the Paralympic Movement, will play a role in future Torch Relays and all details will be confirmed on 29 August."

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Friday (9 August) confirmed it will make a major announcement regarding future Paralympic Torch Relays later this month but categorically denied speculation that Stoke Mandeville will become the permanent home for the creation of the Paralympic Flame.

Craig Spence, IPC Director of Media and Communications, said: “On 29 August to mark one year since the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games we will make an exciting announcement regarding how the UK and Stoke Mandeville will play a role in future Paralympic Games Torch Relays.

“The announcement will not be, as some have suggested, that Stoke Mandeville becomes the Paralympic Movement’s version of Ancient Olympia where the Olympic Flame is lit before every Games.

“The UK and Stoke Mandeville, as the spiritual birthplace of the Paralympic Movement, will play a role in future Torch Relays and all details will be confirmed on 29 August."