Paralympic fever was very much in the air when the torch made an early visit to an Islington shop on Tuesday.

Staff and customers had a sneak preview of the Paralympic flame, ahead of the games starting on August 29, when it came to Sainsbury’s Local in Upper Street.

The store had been nominated for the honour after it raised �500 in three months for its nominated charity, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

Mark Stringer, manager of the store, said: “It’s a cause that is dear to my heart because my father is ex air force and suffered a disability. The benevolent fund helped my family out so I was really pleased when it was our nominated charity.

“It was fantastic day. After the excitement of the Olympics, everyone is really getting in the sprit of the Paralmypics.”