The purpose of the visit was to ensure that British Paralympic officials and athletes' preparation for the Games, which are due to run from March 7 to 16, are as professional and thorough as possible, as the ParalympicsGB seeks to secure its first Games' medal since a wheelchair curling silver at Turin 2006.

Joining Briscoe on the trip were British team leaders and head coaches from the sports that will be contested at the Games, including wheelchair curling head coach Tony Zummack, ice sledge hockey team leader Red Geddes and Andrew Lockerbie, team chief for alpine skiing.

"We have maintained a really positive level of dialogue with the Sochi Organising Committee since the Chef de Mission seminar and they have been really responsive, but the opportunity to meet face to face to talk through our plans is invaluable," said Briscoe.

"It's also been great to have the team leaders and head coaches with us for this recce to get their perspective on the venues for each sport and to help them understand how logistical arrangements will work for their athletes at Games time.

"The venues are spectacular [and] both villages look incredible and will provide the optimum environment for our athletes to perform.

"This is shaping up to be a fantastic Paralympic Games, the trip has proved highly successful and I can't wait to bring the team to Sochi."

Penny Briscoe and her team visited the athlete villages in Sochi which will accomodate British Paralympians next year