A total of 44 disability sport projects will share an £8m funding boost from Sport England.

The grants are part of Sport England's Inclusive Sports Fund and are aimed at creating more opportunities for disabled people to take part.

The grants come as the number of disabled people regularly playing sport is on the rise.

In December 2013, Sport England's Active People Survey revealed that 1.67 million disabled people – the highest recorded number ever – now play sport each week.

However, non-disabled people are still twice as likely to play sport as disabled people (39.2 per cent compared to 18.5 per cent).

Sport England Director of Insight, Lisa O'Keefe, said: "Record numbers of disabled people now play sport and this is thanks to the tireless energy of organisations, coaches and volunteers across the country.

"We're supporting them by awarding this funding, so that we can continue to improve opportunities and make a real difference in communities."