A new entrance for Ilford station has been hailed as "a major win for the community" after being unveiled.

The building in Cranbrook Road opened to passengers on Thursday (September 1).

Features include three new lifts which Network Rail said provide step-free access to all platforms for the first time in the station's history.

According to a spokesperson, the new entrance provides "a gateway" to Ilford town centre.

An event to mark the project's completion last week was attended by dignitaries from Transport for London, Network Rail and Redbridge Council.

The entrance was opened by Ilford South MP Sam Tarry, who said: “It was a huge honour to officially open the new and improved Ilford station.

"The enhancements are a major win for our Ilford community, and it will also serve as a timely boost to businesses across the town and borough."

The new building includes a ticket hall with "an improved gateline to encourage ease of movement into and out of the station", Network Rail said.

The station is on the Elizabeth Line, which opened earlier this year.

Elizabeth Line trains running through the station currently go between Shenfield and Liverpool Street only.

The next stage of the line's opening is set to happen in November, which will connect its three parts together.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “Having completed the new station entrance building for Ilford, passengers will start to benefit from a modern, spacious facility with access to the Elizabeth Line.

"It is a fantastic improvement for Ilford and the new lifts will make a huge difference to everyone that wants to travel on the Elizabeth Line which is already revolutionising the way passengers get across London.

“The opening of Ilford station’s new entrance is the last major piece of work for Network Rail’s stations upgrade programme for Crossrail which is a significant achievement by thousands of people for current and future generations of rail users.”

Council leader Jas Athwal called the new entrance "a big step forward towards a bright future for our borough".