A sheep named Youhuu will be the mascot of this year's World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Youhuu is a racka sheep, a type of breed known for its unusual spiral horns.

It is native to Hungary having arrived in the country more than 1,100 years ago, and the distinctive racka breed is not found anywhere else.

The sheep are said to have remained as a "faithful companions" to local people ever since their arrival.

Many racka sheep used to be found on the site of the National Athletics Centre - the newly-built flagship stadium which lies by the River Danube and will be used for the World Championships.

Youhuu is described as "an everyday hero who is inspired by the World Athletics Championships to take up sport and loves athletics".

"As the chief cheerleader, he will be an essential part of the event before and during the World Championships, sometimes sweet, sometimes cheeky, but always fun," organisers said.

The mascot was unveiled at a press event in Budapest on May 11, where organisers were marking the 100 days to go milestone before the opening of the Championships on August 19.

Jon Ridgeon, the chief executive of World Athletics, rang a bell as Youhuu was unveiled at the National Athletics Centre.