The designs for the next generation of ‘driverless’ London Underground trains have scooped an international award.

London Underground and design partner PriestmanGoode were unveiled as the Silver Top Winners at the Industrial Designers Society of America's (IDSA's) International Design Excellence Awards.

It was announced last year that around 100 of the new trains, dubbed the New Tube, will be introduced in the mid-2020s on the Central line.

The other 150 of the newly built trains will be in use on the Piccadilly line, Bakerloo line and Waterloo & City line.

The trains, costing over £1billion, will feature step-free access from the platform as well as walk-through carriages and wider doors.

Transport for London (TfL) expects them to serve London for more than 40 years and will built to be capable of being operational without a driver.

The capacity of the Central line is expected to be increased by 25 per cent, or up to 12,000 customers an hour.

Its design will allow for air-cooling for the first time on deep-level sections of the Tube.

The train also features improved accessibility, with level access to platforms, as well as walk-through carriages and wider doors.

Gareth Powell, London Underground's director of strategy, said: “Over 1,700 projects from around the world entered this prestigious competition so we are delighted that the New Tube for London has been given international recognition for its innovative design.

“Our vision is for a train that both echoes the best of London's design heritage and utilises the latest modern technology.

“I am proud of the joint accomplishments of the 'New Tube for London' team, the wider London Underground design team and PriestmanGoode, and of the recognition this award brings.”