Travelling to Lewisham after dark is set to become easier as night services on London Overground from New Cross Gate have been announced.

Confirmed by Sadiq Khan, the night services will start operating on Fridays and Saturdays from December 2017 between New Cross Gate and Dalston Junction.

The 24-hour Night Overground, similar to that of the Night Tube introduced last year, will extend to Highbury and Islington in 2018.

Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “It’s brilliant news that 24-hour night services are coming to Lewisham.

“A 24-hour London Overground service will open up the capital for residents who work late into the night and for those who enjoy the amazing nightlife and culture in our city.”

Mayor Khan said: “Our Night Tube services have been a real success right across the capital, so I’m delighted to announce that we’ll be bringing the Night Overground to the East London line later this year.

“It will provide huge benefits to Londoners and visitors to our city, helping those working hard through the night and all those out enjoying everything London has to offer, as well as creating jobs and boosting our economy.”

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

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

Jonathan Fox, TfL’s Director of London Rail, said: “The East London route is one of the most popular parts of the London Overground network, particularly late in the evening.

“Expanding night services to this key part of London Overground will make it easier for customers to enjoy the vibrant night time culture that East London has to offer, supporting the economy in this much-loved area of the capital.

“The Night Tube has already provided a boost to our economy and supported thousands of permanent jobs. We hope the Night Overground will build on this success even further.”

Alan Miller, Chairman Night Time Industries Association, said: “London is making significant strides to become a smart, future-oriented 24-hour city in which transport is a vital component.

“So hurrah for this! Together we can all help make London the best it can be for us all.”