The name is derived from Cockney rhyming slang, with London landmark "Albert Hall" meaning ball.

More than 12,000 names were entered for consideration, including entries from Olympic diver Tom Daley and cricketer Steve Finn, who came up with "The Stratford Bouncer" and "The Record Breaker" respectively.

The winning entry came from Bob Ashworth (pictured) of Derbyshire.

"I can't believe that my name was chosen for the ball that will have such a big part to play in the biggest sporting event on earth," he said.

"With London hosting the 2012 Games it made sense to name a ball with the London Cockney rhyming slang heritage."

Nick Craggs, Adidas's UK marketing director, said: "The London 2012 Games are becoming synonymous with the East End of London and it was important to us that the name reflected this strong heritage – 'The Albert' creates mass appeal to the British public as well as creating global intrigue."

Paul Deighton, the chief executive of London 2012, said: "It's fantastic that adidas involved the public in the naming of this very special football for this very special tournament, which will take place across the UK in 2012."

The design of the ball itself will remain a secret until it is launched in 2012.

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