The White Horse triumphs in battle of Wembley Bridge

Wemblely Stadium's FootbridgeThe White Horse has won the vote to name the London Development Agency's new bridge at Wembley. Starting as 16-1 outsider, the historic figure - and saviour of Wembley's first FA Cup Final - quickly gained a fan base to pip favourite Sir Alf Ramsey at the post.

The LDA teamed up with BBC Radio Five Live to name the state-of-the-art footbridge, which will help to connect the new national stadium to the town centre.

Billy the White Horse took just over a third of the 36,500 votes on the Five Live site. Sir Alf Ramsey was close behind on just under a third, while the three other finalists - Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Geoff Hurst and Live Aid - each took about 4,000 votes.

The White Horse's campaign was boosted by the Back Billy's Bid campaign, which called for an end to 'the 82-year-old snub to Wembley's first hero'. When 100,000 fans stormed the pitch at the first cup final in 1923, Billy - ridden by PC George Scorey - rode in to save the day, calming the crowds, clearing the pitch, and allowing the game between Bolton and West Ham to begin.

The shortlist was decided by BBC Radio Five Live's Jonathan Pearce, LDA executive director Tony Winterbottom and Wembley Stadium's chief executive Michael Cunnah.

Jonathan Pearce said: "It's fantastic that an unsung legend of Wembley folklore is being immortalised in this way. The calm actions and sound authority of this famous horse could well have saved hundreds of lives on that amazing day back in 1923."

Tony Winterbottom said: "The transformation that is happening in Wembley is remarkable, and this state-of-the art footbridge - which will be completed around the end of the year - is just one part of that. However this is an area steeped in history, and it is great that this dramatic, modern structure will have a name that secures it so strongly to Wembley's past."

With the extent of development happening in and around the new stadium, there will be further opportunities to pay tribute to the heroes of 1966 and England's greatest footballing triumph. There is already a Bobby Moore bridge near Wembley Park tube - named in September 1993 - and further tributes to the England legend are planned.

The footbridge - designed by London Eye architects Marks Barfield - demonstrates that Wembley will not only be home to the world's most spectacular stadium, but will be a truly world-class area.

The LDA, the Mayor's agency for business and jobs, is investing more than £85m in improving public transport, building the bridge and a new town square, contributing to the stadium project itself, business support and training to help people take advantage of new job opportunities. More details on the footbridge and the public and private sector partners that are working together to rejuvenate the area can be found on www.lda.gov.uk/wembley.

For further information: contact Oliver Roberts at the London Development Agency on 020 7954 4206, or Andrew Bate, Radio Five Live on 020 8576 1694.

Notes to Editors:

Wembley Stadium is currently being redeveloped by Wembley National Stadium Limited (WNSL) into the world's leading sport and music venue. Offering 90,000 fans unrivalled views of the action in state-of the art facilities whilst generating an unbeatable atmosphere, WNSL will set new standards for supporters and performers alike. For more information on Wembley Stadium visit www.wembleystadium.com

The new national stadium will open for The FA Cup Final on 13th May 2006 and is helping to stimulate major regeneration of the surrounding area. This includes extensive improvements to the three stations that will increase capacity by 50 per cent. Approximately 70,000 people an hour will be able to get to Wembley Stadium by coach, rail and tube thanks to the improved transport infrastructure.

The London Development Agency is the Mayor's agency for business and jobs. It is co-funding London's Bid for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012 as part of its commitment to the regeneration of the capital. The LDA prepares the Mayor's business plan for London and mobilises the support and resources of hundreds of partner organisations to help build a thriving economy for London's people, businesses and communities. It is dedicated to improving sustainability, health and equality of opportunity for Londoners.