THE Paralympic flame is coming to south Essex for a festival of disabled sport.

Benfleet is one of 34 locations across the UK chosen to host the symbolic flame in the build-up to this summer's Paralympic Games.

The torch will travel to King John School in Shipwrights Drive, Benfleet, on August 25, where a disabled sports day with opening and closing ceremonies will take place.

Four flames are being lit across the UK, in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast, and torchbearers will take parts of the flame to the 34 chosen locations.

Paralympian Danny Crates, who grew up in Corringham and now lives in Maldon, will be part of a team of torchbearers carrying the flame to the school.

South east Essex Lions Clubs are organising the event and will invite disabled sports clubs from across the county to take part in competitions like football, archery, shotput, table tennis and target golf on the school's playing fields and in its sports hall.

Tony Prior, promotions officer for Leigh Lions, said: “We held a sports day for more than 100 people at the school last year and we feel honoured to be chosen by Sport Essex to organise this.

“It will be less serious than the Paralympics, with a barbecue, music and a wheelchair barn dance, which will be great fun.”

Margaret Wilson, headteacher of King John School, said: “It’ll be such an amazing experience to have the Paralympic flame and all our pupils will be invited to help out.

“We’ve been working with the Lions for about five years now to organise activities for disabled people at the school and we’re delighted to have been chosen.”

Stephen Castle, Essex county councillor responsible for London 2012, said: “With the Olympic torch passing through the county on July 6, this is yet another fantastic opportunity for the people of Essex to be involved in something spectacular and be part of London 2012.”

On August 28, torchbearers will take the flame from Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of the Paralympics, to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, for the Paralympic Games opening ceremony.

The relay will involve 620 inspirational torchbearers, who are currently being chosen from 3,500 nominees.

At the moment, there are no plans to open the sports day to the public but anyone interested in volunteering can call Mr Prior on 01702 715111.