By Elizabeth Hudson BBC Sport in Athens

China are clearly out to emulate their Olympic success when the Paralympics get under way.

But Great Britain's chef de mission Phil Lane is pinpointing another threat as Team GB attempt to better their Sydney haul where they finished second in the medal table behind Australia, winning 41 golds.

"There are around 20 more nations than there were in Sydney while China have brought their biggest-ever Paralympic delegation," said Lane.

"But I think the Germans, who have also brought a very large squad, will also make a big impact after a disappointing Sydney by their standards."

Team GB seem to be impressed with the facilities on offer in the Olympic Village.

Whether it is the apartments they are staying in or the training and competition facilities, they have all been given a big thumbs-up.

And, perhaps surprisingly, the much-maligned Athens transport system has been praised by at least two of the British team.

Visually-impaired cyclist Aileen McGlynn and pilot Ellen Hunter have taken the chance to see some of the attractions of Athens in their free time.

"The Athenians have a great and easy metro compared to London," admitted Hunter, whose husband Paul is also part of the British team as the pilot of Ian Sharpe.