Boris Johnson, Mayor of London and Islington resident, was one of the first to tag in at the newly opened entrance to Farringdon underground station.

The gates reopened after being closed for eight weeks while the Grade II sites station was restored and expanded.

The refurbishment, which is part of the �6 billion Thameslink programme, includes 36 new ticket gates, 20 new staircases nine new ticket machines and two new entrances, each with a ticket office.

Speaking at the opening on February 3, Mayor Johnson said: “Farringdon Station has already undergone a massive transformation, with a brand new ticket hall up and running, renovations to the entrances and many more improvements still to come. We are making vast essential upgrades to the transport infrastructure in the capital.

“By the time of the Olympics, this station will also be fully accessible with five new lifts, and before too long Crossrail will interchange here too, making millions of journeys easier for passengers.”