Prime Minister Theresa May has wished Britain's Paraylmpics team luck as they begin their quest for glory in Rio.

Mrs May said the nation will be in Brazil in spirit and cheering Team GB on at home as the Paralympic Games begins on Wednesday.

She said the team's "phenomenonal" performance at London 2012 changed attitudes towards disability and that the athletes would again make Britain proud.

The exploits of Paralympians such as Dame Sarah Storey, David Weir, Jonnie Peacock and Ellie Simmonds captured the nation's imagination in 2012 and Mrs May backed the team to inspire again.

In a video message, the PM said: "Among the many special moments of the summer of 2012, there was nothing more inspiring than the way our Paralympics captured the imagination of the world, fundamentally changing attitudes towards disability.

"At the heart of that success was our brilliant Paralympics GB Team.

"As people from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland stood together, lining the streets to celebrate your phenomenal medal haul, we did not see disability but the most inspiring ability, talent, strength and determination.

"You brought our country together and showed us the best of what our United Kingdom can be.

"This year in Rio, while you may not see those same British crowds around you, I want you to know that we will be there in spirit, watching on our televisions and willing you on all the way.

"I know that again, you will make our nation proud, delivering sporting success for Britain and inspiring generations around the world.

"So I want to wish all of our Paralympic athletes every success and I say to the whole country: 'Let's super-charge the team and cheer them on to glory in Rio'."

Shadow work and pensions secretary Debbie Abrahams said she was "delighted" that the Paralympics was about to begin despite cuts to the Games' budget.

The Labour frontbencher said: "It is great to see that so many British athletes are tipped for gold medals across a range of events, building on the unprecedented success of Paralympics GB in London and the fantastic Olympic performance of Team GB in Brazil.

"I am glad that the budgetary issues facing the Paralympics have now been resolved.

"I was deeply concerned to see the greatest sporting event in the world for disabled people subject to such uncertainty. We must do more to ensure disability sport, from the grassroots to international competitions, is properly funded."

Ms Abrahams also claimed Tory cuts to disability support had affected some GB athletes.

She said: "Many British Paralympic athletes have also faced uncertainty at home, following deep Tory cuts to disability support, which have reduced some athletes' access to Motability schemes.

"Motability is an essential provision of independence for disabled people across the UK, including our Paralympians.

"I look forward to watching Paralympics GB build on their exceptional performance at the London 2012 Games. London did so much to raise the profile of the Paralympics and it is important Rio continues this trend."