The 18-year-old from Cambridgeshire lost his right leg below the knee after contracting meningococcal septicaemia at the age of five but was spotted at a ParalympicsGB talent identification camp in 2008 and invited to join up with UK Athletics shortly after.

He has since become one of the world's top disabled athletes - finishing fifth in the T44 100 metre final at the Christchurch 2011 IPC World Athletics Championships in January behind Jerome Singleton and fellow BT ambassador Oscar Pistorius.

In July this year he secured an unratified personal best time of 11.47sec in his first race following ankle surgery to cement his position as one to watch for London 2012.

"Competing in the Paralympic Games is my dream," said Peacock.

"It's my only chance of competing at a home Games and so I'm going to make every effort to be there.

"I've come so far in such a short space of time and I hope I can continue to improve.

"It's great to have backing from a company like BT with such a long history of supporting Paralympic sport through events like the BT Paralympic World Cup.

"They also work with some fantastic Paralympic athletes and in particular I'm hoping to learn as much as I can from Oscar Pistorius, who is the one to beat within my sport."

As well as Pistorius, BT is already supporting a number of top Paralympic athletes in the lead up to London 2012 including swimmer Liz Johnson, javelin thrower Nathan Stephens and dressage competitor Lee Pearson who boast multiple Paralympic medals between them.

As well as offering financial support, BT provides them with mobile and broadband services to ensure that they all stay connected with their families and friends wherever in the world they compete.

"We're committed to raising the profile of Paralympic sport and helping young hopefuls like Jonnie be the best they can be as they prepare for the Games," said Suzi Williams, the director of BT group marketing and brand.

"London 2012 will be the most connected Games ever and this extends to our support for athletes.

"We'll be equipping Jonnie with the communications services that will help him stay in touch with his coach and Oscar as he trains to achieve his goal of competing at the Paralympic Games."

BT was the first official partner of the British Paralympic Association (BPA) when it was founded in 1989 and has recently signed a deal to support the organisation through to 2016.

In addition, BT is one of a limited number of partners with enhanced marketing rights for the London 2012 Paralympic Games as a co-sponsor of Channel 4's Paralympic coverage.

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