By Ed Kemp, marketingmagazine.co.uk, 29 October 2009, 10:30am

Hornby launches first London 2012 collectable

LONDON - The first official London 2012 collectable, a limited-edition replica London bus, will go on sale later this week as part of the celebrations to mark 1000 days until the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games.

The collectable, created by London 2012 partner Hornby through its Corgi brand, is a copy of the red London bus that featured in London 2012's handover segment of the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Games.

The bus formed the platform for a performance by singer Leona Lewis and guitarist Jimmy Page, as well as an appearance by England footballer David Beckham.

The buses will go on sale at Hamleys, Harrods, Modelzone, corgi.co.uk and major hobby and collectable stores. Only 5000 have been made and each comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Further London 2012 licensed toys and collectables will go on sale from next year.