PUBLIC transport in London will again be free for several hours over New Year's Eve, it has been confirmed.

Transport for London (TfL) said travel on the Tube, buses and other trains will be free between 11.45pm on December 31 and 4.30am on January 1, with extra services running through the night.

The cost will be paid for via a sponsorship by alcohol drinks company Diageo.

Peter Hendy, Transport Commissioner, CBE said: "Our plans are that the transport networks will operate throughout the festive season with the exception of Christmas Day when all our services will be closed.

"The network will operate reduced services when appropriate and we will also take the opportunity of this quieter time to carry out engineering works as part of the continuing Tube upgrade programme.

"I urge everyone to plan their journeys in advance by visiting the festive travel website tfl.gov.uk/festive and looking out for posters across our network."