THE youngest member of Great Britain's Paralympic team proudly carried the nation's flag at the official opening of the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi last night.

Skier Millie Knight, who is visually impaired, described her role in the ceremony at the Fisht Stadium in Russia as the "best moment of her life."

She walked into the stadium along with her guide Rachael Ferrier, 18, who comes from Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, and team-mates Ben Sneesby and James Whitley.

Millie, from Canterbury, who will compete in the slalom and giant slalom, said: "The feeling of coming out of the tunnel is impossible to put into words.

"When they called out 'Great Britain', it made the moment real for me. Up until that moment, it had not sunk in that I was going to lead out my country on to such a huge stage, but tonight has just been amazing.

"I am so proud to have had this honour - only a few people can say they were a flagbearer and I'm so excited I'm one of them.

"All my friends and family were watching at home and I just want to thank them for their support over the years."

Knight led the British athletes into the stadium, entering through an installation called the light forest, which changed colour to reflect the colour of the flag for each competing nation.

The ceremony, entitled Breaking The Ice, was jam-packed with music, dance and impressive visual effects. Its cast featured performers of all ages and backgrounds and included disabled artists.

The sporting action starts later today and runs until March 16.