THE Weymouth and Portland Paralympic flame will be arriving this Bank Holiday Monday.

Part of the English flame will travel through the borough in a miner's lamp, ahead of Tuesday's ceremony in Stoke Mandeville to join the four National Flames and create the official Paralympic Flame.

The borough's flame will begin its journey at Portland Castle at 2pm, where it will then be carried by sea aboard the MV Freedom charity, which enables disabled and able bodied people to experience life on the water.

It will be officially welcomed by the borough Mayor Margaret Leicester at the ICCI 360 arena at 3.30pm, on the Weymouth Pavilion forecourt.

Weymouth's Paralympic Flame Ambassadors are Ian White and Dave Wallis who have been selected to carry the flame in the borough.

After the afternoon celebrations, the annual Weymouth International firework display at 9.30pm, organised by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and operated by Pain’s Fireworks, will officially mark the borough’s role as a London 2012 host venue.

Two days later, the ICCI arena, which will be the focal point for Maritime Mix Cultural Olympiad by the Sea events during the Games, which run until September 9, will host a Paralympic Opening Celebration from 7.30pm.

The free but ticketed event will coincide with the official ceremony in London and include a series of 360 film screenings and live performances – places can be booked in advance through the Weymouth Pavilion box office.

The ICCI 360 arena will show Channel 4 coverage of the Paralympic Games, in addition to hosting a range of free and ticketed events including live music, children’s entertainment and comedy nights.

Meanwhile, a free sports arena at the pavilion end of Weymouth Beach will offer accessible Paralympic sport taster sessions for people of all ages and abilities Saturday, September 1 to Friday, September 7.

Supported by Sport England, activities will include seated volleyball, wheelchair basketball, canoeing, sailing and sea kayaking and the ball sport boccia.

The arena will be closed to the general public between 11am and 2.30pm on September 6 and 7 as it has been pre-booked for county council-run sessions for disabled children and adults from across Dorset.

Other activities on offer for visitors will include Ramblers Association guided walks and cycle rides and boat trips to and from Weymouth Harbour.

Councillor Ian Bruce, borough council tourism and culture spokesman, said: “This will be a fantastic festival of sailing, arts, theatre, music and fun.

“There is plenty for everyone to enjoy on top of this wonderful sailing competition which promises even more medals.”

A Paralympics Essential Guide is available from council offices, tourist information centres and online at dorsetforyou.com/ sailing2012

* A full programme of ICCI events can be found online at plymouth.ac.uk/icci360, tickets can be booked by calling the Weymouth Pavilion box office on 01305 783225.

* Visit the Maritime Mix Cultural Olympiad by the Sea website maritimemix2012.co.uk