The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has unveiled the two mascots for the 2012 Games - Wenlock and Mandeville.

Olympic mascot Wenlock has been named after the village of Much Wenlock in Shropshire, home of the Wenlock Games that are credited with inspiring the creation of the modern Olympic Games towards the end of the 19th century. Meanwhile, Paralympic mascot Mandeville has taken its name from a hospital in Buckinghamshire, where German doctor Dr Ludwig Guttmann encouraged former soldiers with spinal injuries to take up sport.

Both mascots feature yellow lights on their heads, which have been inspired by London's black taxis and a single 'camera' eye. Wenlock wears friendship bands in the colours of the Olympic rings, while Mandeville boasts a timing device. LOCOG chair Sebastian Coe said: "We've created our mascots for children. They will connect young people with sport and tell the story of our proud Olympic and Paralympic history.

"By linking young people to the values of sport, Wenlock and Mandeville will help inspire kids to strive to be the best they can be." Image: London 2012 Mascots – LOCOG