MAYOR of London Ken Livingstone today launched the extension of free travel for under 11s.

The initaitive will benefit the 500,000 children aged five to ten years old and their families by giving them free travel all day, every day, on the Tube and DLR when accompanied by an adult from Sunday (April 1).

The mayor was joined by children, their parents, and children's TV character Underground Ernie for the launch at Westminster Tube Station at noon today.

Free Tube and DLR travel for under 11s is part of the Mayor's policy to improve young people's access to education, sport and leisure activities throughout the capital.

Previously the free travel for under 11s only applied at weekends, on public holidays and after 9.30am weekdays on Tube and DLR when accompanied by an adult.