Rio 2016 Paralympics opening ceremony - in pictures

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After a troubled build-up, the Rio 2016 Paralympics finally got underway last night with a dazzling opening ceremony that featured flying wheelchairs, dancing robots and samba drummers.

Despite reports of poor ticket sales in the lead-up to the event the Maracana stadium appeared to be full and the crowd was treated to a vibrant show.

There were moments of controversy, however, when the presidents of Brazil and the Rio 2016 organising committee were both booed. A member of the Belarussian contingent unfurled a Russian flag in support of the nation, which has been banned from participating in the games by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

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Sir Philip Craven, chairman of the IPC, told the crowd: "Through the performances of Paralympians, you will see the true meaning of sport and the true definition of ability. You will witness how Paralympic sport has the ability to inspire an individual, and the outstanding capacity to transform communities, countries and continents."