London 2012 Olympic Mascots

Bolt from the blue: the Olympic mascot Wenlock, left, and the Paralympic mascot Mandeville strike an Usain Bolt pose Photo: AP

London 2012 Olympic Mascots named Wenlock and Mandeville were unveiled today.

After 18 months work, 40 focus groups and a secret operation worthy of MI5, London 2012 on Wednesday night revealed the mascots whose images will help define the capital’s Olympic experience, and just as importantly help pay for them.

The one-eyed figures named Wenlock and Mandeville were unveiled at an east London school on Wednesday, with London 2012 organisers hoping they will inspire a generation of children while persuading their parents to contribute a share of £15 million the mascots are intended to raise in merchandising revenue.

Two parts-Pokemon to one-part lava lamp, the distinctive figures are the product of a rigorous design process intended to capture the imagination of children, and work as well in the digital world as they will in costume form at trackside in 2012.