Work on the £14.8 billion Crossrail project to build a brand new railway across London has moved a step closer to completion with the finalisation of 26 miles' of tunnelling. 

Prime minister David Cameron and transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin celebrated the completion of the work with a visit to the site. 

Mr Cameron said the ambitious rail project represents an impressive feat of engineering that will improve the lives of people in the capital. 

"The project is a vital part of our long term plan to build a more resilient economy by helping businesses to grow, compete and create jobs right along the supply chain," he commented. 

When Crossrail fully opens in 2019, east-west travel across London and the south-east will be made more convenient - and the central section will open ahead of this in 2018.