Manchester visual effects and animation studio Mi has created Leo the Lion, the face of the News of the World's online coverage of the World Cup.

Mi created the character with Chris Gooch of Rubber Studio - within a deadline of just one week - and the mascot will feature in video clips on the tabloid's website throughout the tournament. Leo's first video is online now.

Ian Hogg, creative director at Mi, said: “The animations were all created in Maya, but Leo’s character was created by adding in a healthy dose of what we call ‘a bit of the Winstone’. The job was great to work on, and we wish Leo, (and of course Eng-Ger-Lund) all the best for the World Cup.”