Funding boost for GB Paralympians

Britain's Paralympic sport boss Phil Lane welcomed the £16.1m increase in funding ahead of London 2012.

But cash for development has been cut, while the grant of £201,000 for women's wheelchair basketball in Beijing looks unlikely to be renewed.

"A number of proven medal-winning sports have received a significant boost to their funding," said Lane.

"We had aspirations of sending a full team so the home crowd had something to cheer. That may not happen now."

British Paralympians won 102 medals, including 42 golds, in Beijing.

Boccia and shooting saw their funding almost trebled, while cycling enjoyed a 118% increase to £3.85m over the next four years.

Swimming, responsible for 11 gold medals, will receive £10.06m - an increase of 45% on Beijing funding.

However, the ParalympicsGB organisation has received a cut in funding from £4.29 million to £1.86 million.

"We had a winning formula in two parts. Lottery funding to the sports doubled in the lead-up and ParalympicsGB maximised that investment," said Lane.

"That last bit of the equation will now be missing in part."

Men's wheelchair basketball saw its funding increased but the women's team will not find out until January whether they will receive any grant at all.

However, their representative Paul Hudson was upbeat, saying: "Whilst we do not have an indication of funding for the next four years, probably the most important four years of our women's programme in its history.

"We will work closely with UK Sport and other partner organisations to realise a level of support for the GB women's national team."