Glaswegian Martin wins race to be face of Channel 4's Paralympic Games coverage

May 19 2011 By Joe McGuire

Martin Dougan

A GLASGOW carpenter has been chosen to front TV coverage of next year's Paralympic Games after hitting it off with comedian John Bishop.

Martin Dougan, 23, is one of eight winners of Channel 4's search for new faces to front their coverage of the 2012 London event.

He was challenged to show what he could do with three minutes of air time.

So Martin, from Kelvinbridge, produced a short film in which he showed off his interview technique with funnyman John.

He also proved his sporting prowess with his team, the Lothian Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball Club.

Martin said: "To go from being a carpenter in Springburn to being a presenter in London - you just couldn't ask for more. These days, everyone's on TV but you never see a disabled person, so it's great what Channel 4 are doing."

Martin has used a wheelchair since the age of 13 due to cerebral palsy.

Channel 4 have pledged at least half of their games hosts will be disabled.

Martin had to leave for three months' training in London one hour after his first child, Jessica Jane, was born.

Martin said: "It's been difficult but my partner Vicky has been so supportive. She knows what an opportunity this is."

Find out more at paralympics.channel4.com and see Martin's on-screen debut during the BT Paralympic World Cup from May 23 to 28.