Named after a Madeiran plant frequently used to make tea, lollipops, sweets and cakes, the name chosen for the rare monk seal beat off competition from Caco, a traditional bread well known for its use in local cuisine, and Poncha, a local drink made with fruits such as passion fruit, banana or pineapple.

Funcho received 51 per cent of the public vote on social media, with Caco gaining 29 per cent and Poncha 20 per cent.

Voters made their choice on the IPC Swimming Facebook page by liking the image with their favourite name, or on their Twitter page by retweeting their choice.

The mascot is said to represent the unique setting for the Championships which will be hosted on the Portuguese island of Madeira where a colony of monk seals lives.

Next year’s Championships are expected to feature around 450 athletes from 50 countries between April 30 and May 7.

Funchal’s Complexo Olimpico de Piscinas da Penteada aquatics centre, which was opened in 2004, will stage the biennial event with the facility boasting an Olympic-size competition pool, as well as a diving and a training pool.

The event is organised locally by the Portuguese Swimming Federation.

As well as competing for European titles, swimmers will also have the chance to test themselves at the last major competition and qualifier ahead of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The competition in Funchal was originally due to take place from May 15 to 21 but was moved due to a clash with the European Aquatics Championships in London, which will be held at the Aquatics Centre on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park between May 9 and 22.

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