Swimmer Ellie Simmonds revs up for Paralympics

Paralympic swimming sensation Ellie Simmonds will be travelling in style to her training sessions ahead of this year's games.

The 17-year-old is taking her theory driving test today while learning to drive in her specially-adapted Mini One.

She spoke of all the things she is now having to fit in with school, including AS-levels, training, and now driving lessons, and her anticipation ahead of the Paralympics on home soil.

The swimmer, originally from Aldridge, said: "Training is going really well, it's all moving really quickly. I'm just hoping to qualify first, but I can't believe it's 2012 already. It feels like yesterday when I was in Beijing.

"So far I have coped with the pressure, but personally it drives me forward, it makes me perform better."

She added: "It's so cool to have the car, I love driving it."

BMW provided the swimmer with the car, which has been modified with longer pedals that can be removed if someone else needs to drive.

Ellie, who has just spent two weeks in South Africa training for the forthcoming games, said having the games on home soil was "massive" for her, adding: "It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing."