UK Paralympians, Olympians turned into cartoon figures for children's show

From BBC News:

Some of Britain's greatest Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls are starring in a new adventure with London 2012 mascots Wenlock and Mandeville - as cartoons.

World triple jump champ Phillips Idowu and Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds are among those animated in the new film, Adventures On A Rainbow.

The short film follows Mandeville and Wenlock as they travel around the UK, meeting people and trying new sports.

It's designed to try to get more of you to have a go at different sports.

The story, which was written by children's author Michael Morpurgo, also sees Wenlock and Mandeville meeting diver Tom Daley, BMX cyclist Shanaze Reade and wheelchair rugby player Mandip Sehmi.

Phillips Idowu, who is also known for his recognisable red hair, said he loved being made into a cartoon.

"I think the model and animation are really really cool," he said.

"There are lots of things within the cartoon that kids will get a real sense of what the Olympics is about."

Paralympian Ellie Simmonds (pictured) said she loved the eyelashes on her animated character, and hoped the film would inspire children.

"Paralympics is a big thing but having it at your home Games is even more amazing," she said.

Wenlock and Mandeville are said to have been created from the last drops of steel used to build the new Olympic stadium for the London 2012 Games.