LONDON’S new £1bn railway line is fully open to passengers from today (May 23) and community groups plan a party onboard the trains to celebrate.

The extended East London Line runs from West Croydon, passing through Anerley, Penge and Crystal Palace.

Trains then go through Sydenham, Forest Hill, Honor Oak Park, Brockley and New Cross Gate on their way to Dalston Junction.

Transport for London has promised to give away 10,000 free tickets today and groups are holding events all along the route.

The Sydenham Society plans to mark the occasion by taking the 2.09pm this afternoon from Sydenham station with a group of entertainers.

At Forest Hill station they will be joined by Forest Hill society members on their way into town.

The Sydenham Society’s vice president Pat Trembath explained: “It’s absolutely terrific.

“Being connected to Whitechapel puts you directly on to the District Line. Liverpool Street becomes much easier to get to.

“It’s a whole new world.”

An official opening ceremony takes place at 10am this morning.

The extension is the biggest piece of transport infrastructure the capital has seen for more than a decade.

TfL London rail managing director Ian Brown said: “With cheaper fare options, fast journey times and a route which takes in both Docklands and the City of London, London Overground’s East London route completes two-thirds of the orbital railway planned for the capital.

“By 2012 when this new line is connected to Clapham Junction, the London Overground orbital rail network of London will be completed.”

For timetable details visit tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround

Watch a video from the opening day of the East London Line (Credit: Sean James Cameron / Interfusion Films)