A SCOTTISH youngster has inspired the design of a new mascot for the 2015 British Judo Open.

Mathew Sweeney entered a competition to design a mascot for the European Judo Championships (EJC), which were due to be held in Glasgow in April, but, after the event was cancelled and moved to Baku, Azerbaijan as part of the European games, the competition was scrapped.

The 10-year-old, from Bridge of Weir, was then shocked to discover that his clever artwork wowed the judges and has now inspired the design of the British Open mascot, which is taking place in Wembley Arena this weekend.

The British Judo Association has rewarded Mathew’s efforts by flying him and his mum Claire, 38, to London for the event, where they will attend the open finals and spend the night in the Crown Hotel.

He will also meet his creation, Jimmy the Lion, who has been brought to life for the contest.

Matthew said: “My mum told me about the competition so I wanted to apply and my little sister Nina applied as well.

“Judo is my favourite sport, it’s really fun so I’m looking forward to going down to London to see it and stay in the hotel.

“I don’t know what I’m going to say when I meet Jimmy but I’m excited to see what he’s like.

“I chose to draw a lion because they are quite fearless, like a judo player.”

Claire added: “We got the email saying they would love for him to come down and he’ll get to meet and greet with his design which is fantastic.

“His design was really good, I knew when I seen it it would take something good to beat it.”

Jimmy, the youngster’s design, is a lion with the saltire cross in his ears, wearing a judo robe adorned with a tartan belt and the drawing also includes the clever slogan ‘hey Jimmy’ – as the similarly pronounced Japanese word hajime is used to commence a judo match.

The family are avid judo fans, with Matthew attending Titan Judo in Clydebank every week alongside his sibling 14-year-old Shaun, 12-year-old Eva and Nina, 8.

However, they were left disappointed when they learned they would no longer be able to attend the EJC’s in Emirate Arena as planned.

Claire said: “We were all quite disappointed that the event in Glasgow had been cancelled because we had tickets and were looking forward to it.

“It wasn’t quite feasible to take all six of us down to London for the open.

“But we’re so delighted for Matthew, it’ll be a great experience.

“My husband Stephen, 39, and I had to draw straws to see who would go with him so I’m very excited but we’ll keep in touch with everyone over face time and keep them updated.”