An underground train left the station at Abbey Wood for the first time to travel along the brand new Elizabeth Line.

The new Crossrail line will not open for ten months, but a major milestone was hit with the maiden voyage of a train through the freshly dug tunnels.

Built by Bombardier engineers in Derby, the train drove out of Abbey Wood, entered the tunnels at Plumstead, travelled under the Thames through the Connaught Tunnel before returning to Abbey Wood.

Andrew Wolstenholme, chief executive for Crossrail, said: “The start of infrastructure testing is a major milestone moment. It’s testament to the men and women who have, and continue to, work tirelessly on the project that we are now welcoming the first Elizabeth line train that’s powered by the new overhead lines, into the tunnels.

“The Crossrail programme is now over 90% complete and this heralds the start of our works to bring together the new stations, track, power, signalling and trains ahead of the Elizabeth line opening in December."

Earlier this month, Crossrail successfully activated the 25kV overhead lines in a section of the tunnels beneath the streets of London which ensured this first journey could take place.

Now begins the ten month process of rigorous testing of the line and signalling to ensure the whole tunnel is safe and reliable before its official opening.

Hundreds of trains will be driven along the tracks before it even opens, but this first one, driven at very low speeds, is a big landmark point for the project.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "This is a hugely exciting moment in the construction of the Elizabeth line. Everyone involved in Europe’s largest infrastructure project has done a wonderful job and it’s thanks to their hard work that we are another key step closer to running our first passenger service.

“When it opens later this year, the Elizabeth line is going to transform travel across London and the South East, helping to improve the lives of millions of Londoners, stimulating much needed housing development across the capital, and providing a huge boost to our economy.