A global television audience of two billion watched the state-of-the-art Enviro 400, assembled by workers at Alexander Dennis in Camelon, arrive in the Bird's Nest Stadium as the Olympic flag was handed over to London Mayor Boris Johnson ahead of the 2012 extravaganza.

Its inclusion in the spectacular last Sunday is a major boost to the firm's hopes of striking gold itself four years from now by winning a money-spinning contract to supply the buses that will be needed to transport athletes and officials to the venues in and around the capital.

The firm has invested millions in developing its next generation of hybrid buses that will run on battery and diesel power and cut green house gas emissions by 30 per cent.

The bright red double decker, which was followed around the track by jubilant Team GB members including super Scot Chris Hoy, was specially designed and engineered for the event and a key part of a colourful eight-minute presentation to promote the 'Next stop London' show.

The stadium erupted in delight when the roof opened to create a grass-covered stage for 'X Factor' winner Leona Lewis and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page to appear from inside and blast out 'Whole Lotta Love'.

England footballer David Beckham also joined them and kicked a ball into the 91,000 crowd.
Bus firm chief executive Colin Robertson said: "These are exciting times for Alexander Dennis.

''We were delighted to engineer and build this unique bus for the closing ceremony.

''To see our product on the world stage was a privilege and honour and comes at a time ADL is about to launch its new hybrid bus on to the world markets."

Falkirk MP Eric Joyce congratulated the company. He said: "Transport for London has recently launched a competition to design a new double-decker which Alexander Dennis as the leading bus manufacturer in the UK must be in prime position to make."