A well used tube station is the first to become step-free as part of a £200m accessibility drive.

Disabled people and those who struggle with movement can now catch trains from Buckhurst Hill station on the Central Line.

The transformation comes after sustained pressure from commuters and residents, spearheaded by Green Party councillor for Buckhurst Hill East, Steven Neville.

He said: "I am absolutely thrilled that Buckhurst Hill Station is now step free.

"After many years of campaigning by myself and others such as the Buckhurst Hill Residents Society, it has come to pass. I have already used it as have other residents.

"It means those in wheelchairs can finally access the station and more importantly the trains.

"I am also hoping this will benefit the shops in Lower Queens Road with extra footfall and custom."

The station is the 74th to become step-free on the Underground and is the first of five stations on the eastern section of the Central line that will be made step-free over the coming years.

Another is Debden, where work will soon begin as Transport for London (TFL) aim to make 40 per cent of the underground network step free by 2022 - up from its current 27 per cent.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m committed to making our transport network accessible to all Londoners and visitors to the capital.

"That’s why I vowed to significantly improve stations across London and am delivering the largest boost to accessibility in the Tube’s 155-year history.

"I’m delighted that Buckhurst Hill Tube station is the first to benefit from the £200m boost. I know it’s going to make a big difference to help those with disabilities, parents with pushchairs or anyone who struggles with their mobility.”

The other stations confirmed to be included in the Mayor’s investment boost are Amersham, Boston Manor, Burnt Oak, Cockfosters, Hanger Lane, Ickenham, Mill Hill East, Newbury Park, North Ealing, Northolt, Osterley, Park Royal, Rickmansworth, Ruislip, South Woodford, Snaresbrook, Sudbury Hill and Wimbledon Park.

There are seven further stations still to be confirmed.