Crossrail Minister Lord (Tariq) Ahmad has joined Bombardier apprentices on a visit to Derby to see progress of the new Elizabeth line carriages.

He met Bombardier apprentices during his tour and saw some of the skills and experience they are gaining delivering the new Elizabeth line trains.

The minister’s visit follows confirmation that testing of the Elizabeth line trains has moved from Derby and Melton to East London. The train is set to undergo further test runs on the Shenfield to Liverpool Street line in preparation for the first trains to be introduced on this section of the route from May 2017.

The visit comes as new 360 degree footage has been released showing passengers what the exterior of the new test carriages and trains look like.

Crossrail Minister Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon said: "The new Elizabeth line trains are a great showcase of British design and manufacturing and I am delighted to take my first ride on the trains that will be running on part of the network from May next year.

"The Crossrail project is a showcase British infrastructure project. It is a catalyst for change, attracting new business and residential developments to areas around its stations, boosting the economy.

"The project is also investing in the next generation of underground construction workers. The skills gained by apprentices here at Bombardier as well as over 600 across the project, will be crucial in helping build the transport network of the future, such as HS2."

The Crossrail project is being delivered by Crossrail Limited and when services commence through central London in December 2018 it will be known as the Elizabeth line.