Travelling home to the boroughof Lewisham after a night out in central London will be easier from next month - as London Overground will start running trains to and from New Cross Gate station throughout the night.

The Night Overground service will operate all-night on Fridays and Saturdays, running between New Cross Gate and Dalston Junction, from December 15, with the line extending on to Highbury and Islington next year.

The launch follows the success of the Night Tube, which resulted in more than nine million journeys in its first year.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “The Overground has transformed travel across the capital in the last 10 years, opening up areas of London and setting a new standard for quality of service on the rail network.

“We continue to improve the service every year and I’m delighted that we can bring night services to the East London line for the first time ever next month.

“The Night Tube has proven such a success with Londoners, I know the Night Overground will help thousands more who are working through the night or out enjoying our capital’s nightlife.”

The New Cross Gate to Dalston Junction line crosses the Thames between Rotherhithe and Shadwell.

Jonathan Fox, TfL’s Director of London Rail and Sponsored Services, said: “The East London line, from New Cross Gate to Dalston Junction, is one of the most popular parts of London Overground, with the railway having contributed hugely to the regeneration of large parts of London over recent years.

“All-night services, on Friday and Saturday nights, from December 15 will make it easier for our customers to explore east London and enjoy the area’s thriving night life and other attractions.

“It will also help support thousands of people working in night time jobs and boost the local and wider economy.”

More than 189 million people used the Overground in 2016/17, compared to 33 million in 2008/09.