The Olympic Stadium will be turned into a meadow complete with real animals, grass and clouds that will rain down for the opening ceremony.

Artistic director Danny Boyle revealed a glimpse of what the world can expect from the £27m spectacular: "The opening scene of the July 27 ceremony represents a traditional and idyllic view of the British countryside.

"It is a green and pleasant land because it is something we are really proud of."

There will be families having picnics and sports being played on the village green in what London 2012 is describing as "one of the largest sets ever built".

The audience of about 62,000 in the stadium in Stratford, east London, and a billion people watching worldwide will also see farmers tilling soil while animals graze. These include 12 horses, three cows, two goats, ten chickens, ten ducks, nine geese, 70 sheep and three sheep dogs.