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."

Michael Cunnah, also reacted to the new name with excitement: "The famous "white horse" FA Cup Final of 1923 was the first event to be held at the old Stadium and it is fitting that the rich heritage of Wembley Stadium is being commemorated in this way."

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.