THE Tube is to run half an hour later at weekends and start one hour earlier on Saturdays, but not until May next year.

Then the last trains will leave the centre of London at around 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone made the announcement on Friday after travellers were asked for their views. He said: "We know that the majority of Londoners would like the Tube to run later at weekends, so that they can travel home safely at a night out at a theatre or a club."

Transport for London (TfL) research last year showed that a significant minority of travellers used the Tube to get to work early at the weekend. From the middle of next year, trains will arrive in central London on Saturday morning from around 7am and as usual from around 7.30am on Sundays. Richard Parry, London Underground strategy and service development director, said that most users of the service wanted a later running Tube but that the decision struck the right balance between their needs and those of early risers.

The break in service during the night is essential so that track, train and signal maintenance can take place.

London Underground plans to keep the same staffing levels for the extended service and is working with the British Transport Police to ensure enough officers are available to staff the extension. TfL is also investigating extending bus services so that people will still be able to get about early on Saturday mornings.

For more information see www.tfl.gov.uk/tube/ travelinfo/firstandlast.