McDonalds introduces mildly terrifying Happy Meal mascot to try and stop kids eating cheeseburgers

In the ongoing mission to look like it cares about children eating more healthily, McDonald's has welcomed a new mascot called Happy on Twitter that will 'encourage kids to enjoy fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and wholesome beverages such as water or juice.'

A red Happy Meal box with a manic grin, wiry arms and sneakers, Happy was first introduced to kids in France in 2009, before heading to Latin America and parts of Europe before finally being unleashed on US customers.

He was unveiled on McDonald's official Twitter account, with the restaurant chain adding in a press release that Happy is about "bringing more fun and excitement to kids’ meals, including eating wholesome food choices like low-fat yogurt," which will be difficult given that slices of apple aren't as downright hate-yourself delicious as chicken nuggets and curry sauce.

The move follows a re-branding of chief nightmarish mascot Ronald McDonald, who last month got a new set of cargo pants and a gilet.

Ronald will now do the odd bit of social media for the brand, recently declaring: "Selfies, here I come!"