COMMUTERS look set to receive a major boost after transport bosses were handed £450m to fund a new Tube line.

The money will help to pay for work on the East London line extension, which will link Lewisham to another six London boroughs.

Six stations in the borough are earmarked for the route - Sydenham, Brockley, Honor Oak, Forest Hill, New Cross and New Cross Gate.

Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock says the £900m project, which is set to be completed by 2010, is "truly exciting news".

He said: "The arrival of the East London line will beckon in a new era for the borough.

"There is a real sense this project is moving and we will be seeing the Tube in Lewisham in time for the Olympics."

The council also hopes the new line will create jobs, improve business links and drive up property prices.

The European Investment Bank has agreed to provide Transport for London with the £450m loan to support the project.

For more information on the Tube extension visit ellp.co.uk