ATHLETES from across the globe are preparing to take part in the Opening Ceremony of the Rio Olympics tomorrow (Friday). And among them is a Newbury fencer.

Leonora Mackinnon, who grew up in East End but now travels all over the world for training, has had to ask for special permission to take part in the opening night extravaganza, as her event is one of the first of the Games and takes place the following day.

The 22-year-old, who started fencing at the age of just eight and competes for Canada, will take part in the women’s individual epee at the Carioca Arena on Saturday (August 6).

Her parents, Donald and Marie-Pauline, who still live at the family home in Newbury, have flown out to Brazil to watch their daughter’s Olympic debut.

The first matches in the football competition began yesterday (Wednesday), with the final events, which include athletics, taking place on August 21. The closing ceremony will also take place that evening.

You can follow Leonora on Twitter to keep with her progress - @Leo_Mackinnon