The Story of Wenlock and Mandeville

Animation depicting the story behind the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Mascots, Wenlock and Mandeville based on an original story by Michael Morpurgo. A great rainbow arcs onto the steelworks in Bolton, northwest England. From the final piece of the last support beam for the London 2012 Olympic Stadium, two drops of steel fall. Leaving the factory after his last day of work, Grandpa George picks up the pieces of steel and takes them home. During the night, unable to sleep, Grandpa George tiptoes into his shed and begins to shape the steel into toys for his grandchildren. The children love their new friends and start to play. Suddenly, rainbow light pours through the window and the figures shiver to life. They hold up their arms as the rainbow light flashes and dances everywhere! The mascots are born. The children are amazed as the mascots rush to imitate them and begin to learn about the Olympic and Paralympic Games from posters on the wall and books around the room. Inspired by what they have discovered, they name them Wenlock and Mandeville. But all too soon, the mascots have to go. Jumping on the rainbows in different directions, they begin their adventures all around the UK, meeting lots of people and making friends before arriving at the Games in 2012. Where will they go? Who will they meet? What will they discover?