The virtual parade, which can be viewed by clicking here, invites the public to join London Mayor Boris Johnson in rallying behind Britain's Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls leading up to London 2012.

Everyone joining is entered into a weekly draw to win tickets to the Olympics as part of the Cadbury Spots v Stripes campaign, which aims to encourage the public to become more competitive.

Anyone joining the parade must choose a team, either "spots" or "stripes", and create an avatar before taking part in a march in time to the beating of a drum, set against the background of the London skyline.

Cadbury's ambassadors, including Beijing 2008 double swimming gold medallist Rebecca Adlington (pictured) and quadruple world BMX champion Shanaze Reade, lead the march to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford.


Using your Facebook profile, the parade will pull in friends and Twitter followers of each supporter to join in the procession.

"London 2012 will be truly magnificent," said Backley, who has also won three Commonwealth Games gold medals and four European titles during a glittering track and field career.

"There's no doubt the spirit and excitement will set Britain alight as we take centre stage.

"As a former athlete, I know how important it is to have the nation rally behind Team GB and ParalympicsGB, and this goes far beyond people cheering from the stands or in front of television sets.

"It's fantastic to see Cadbury bringing people closer to the 2012 Games in such a unique and magical way."

Norman Brodie, Cadbury's London 2012 general manager, said: "We created the Keep Team GB Pumped Parade to keep our London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games hopefuls motivated throughout their long months of training and to reassure them that the nation is behind them every step of the way.

"With the London 2012 fast approaching, we hope the nation will join and celebrate the magical spirit of the 2012 Games."

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