Wrapped in the Union Flag, there is no disguising the patriotic pride on Claire Cashmore's face.

The 19-year-old swimmer, who won two bronze medals at the Athens Games in 2004, is posing with fellow Paralympian Paul Shaw, who wants the rugby team to bring a gold home.

In September they will join Team GB in Beijing, aiming to beat their previous haul of 93 medals, including 35 golds.

They were in Birmingham as it was confirmed the squad's Paralympic Games campaign will be launched from the National Indoor Arena in July.

The team will collect kit and get advice on coping with China's climate, before taking part in a parade from Jury's Inn on Broad Street to the NIA on July 26.

Miss Cashmore, who grew up in Kidderminster but now lives and trains in Tavistock, Devon, was born with the lower part of her left arm missing.

"The only thing I can't really do properly is clap, and the only time I ever need to use my prosthetic arm is when I'm driving, otherwise I manage well enough without it," she said

"I've always loved the water and used to train with Wyre Forest Swimming Club, but they didn't really have the facilities I needed, which is why I moved to Devon.

"When I was told about the Paralympic swim team and how I could enter trials, I knew it was something I could do."

Paralympic GB scouts approached Ms Cashmore after she won a local swimming competition, offering her a place in the national squad in 2000.

"I'd always wondered what it'd be like to run or swim for my country, but even when we were competing in Athens, the whole experience seemed surreal.

"That was my first international event, so it was like going off the deep end, but I don't think I'll be so awe-struck in Beijing."

Mr Shaw, who lost the use of his legs after suffering horrific injuries in a car crash in 1991, got involved with wheelchair rugby during his rehabilitation.

The 36-year-old joined Birmingham Bandits rugby team in 1992 and Paralympic talent scouts invited him to a trial in 1994.

Since joining Team GB's rugby squad, currently ranked fourth in the world, he has competed in the Sydney and Athens Paralympics, as well as world championships.

He said: "Before the crash I was quite sporty, but was more of a jack of all and master of none.

"I was devastated after the crash, realising my life wouldn't be the same again, but I was determined to get on with things.

"I didn't want to be defeated, and that's the attitude I adopt when I'm training.

"There is a perception that we don't train as much as able-bodied competitors but both Claire and I are full-time athletes who train six days a week.

"We take our performance as seriously as any other international athlete would."

Miss Cashmore, who won two bronze medals in Athens for the 200m individual medley and 100m backstroke, trains just as hard.

With twice daily pool sessions, weights workouts and training runs, she also dedicates many hours to training.

"People don't think we put as much effort in, maybe they think we can't, but we're all serious competitors who work just as hard as Olympic athletes", she said.

"There was a big difference in the profile and funding of Paralympic events and teams, but that seems to be levelling out, we've got more of an even playing field now."

Paralympic GB are working with Birmingham City Council to organise the pre-Games events.

Coun Ray Hassall, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: "It's a massive privilege we will be hosting our British Paralympians before they go off to Beijing.

"We're very proud of them, which is why we think a parade around the city will give the team a perfect send off.

"I know how hard it is to adapt to a disability, both personally and through my son's own experiences.

"When I broke my leg it gave me a new perspective on the daily struggle people face to do the most mundane things, like use a knife and fork or negotiate stairs.

"I think everybody should break an arm or leg so they can appreciate how much it can change your life, and how amazing these guys are to become world-class athletes."

Phil Lane, chief executive of Paralympics GB, said the Birmingham parade would be the first event of its kind for the team.

* For more information about Paralympics GB and sports clubs in the Midlands, go to www.parasport.org.uk