Danny Crates, Team GB’s flag-bearer in the Paralympic Games, has been forced to pull out of his event.

Crates, 35, is one of Medway’s international sporting ambassadors.

He suffered a calf injury during training and will not now compete for the T46 800 metres title in Bejiing.

Crates, who lost his right arm in a road accident in 1994, has been struggling with various injuries for six months in preparation for his third Games.

He told the BBC: “I’m totally devastated to have got so close and once again suffered a blow that has prevented me from doing something I’ve dreamt about for so long.

“I’d had a tough few months but I really thought I had turned the corner at the beginning of August.”