Transport for London (TfL) launched a new map that shows which stations and sections of the TfL network are underground to help make the journey less stressful for people with claustrophobia or other anxiety conditions.

The new map shows customers routes they can take to avoid areas with large stretches of tunnels.

There are 270 stations on the Tube network, but more than half are actually above ground, with the Victoria and Waterloo and City lines being the only lines that are wholly underground. In the new design, parts of the lines have been given a grey overlay to illustrate which stations or sections of track are underground. The new map also shows which London Overground, DLR and TfL Rail services are in tunnels.

The tunnels map has been created following suggestions from customers living with claustrophobia or anxiety conditions who find it difficult using the Tube, and has been welcomed by charities. It is one of the many ways that TfL is working to improve the travel experiences of customers using public transport in London, according to the agency. Earlier this year, TfL launched the new 'Please Offer Me a Seat' badge to help disabled customers and those with hidden conditions, illnesses and injuries, find a seat on public transport more easily.

"I sincerely hope that the map will encourage those with claustrophobia and/or panic attacks who have previously avoided this form of public transport out of fear, to re-consider their use of the Tube," said Nicky Lidbetter, chief executive from Anxiety UK, a national charity helping people with anxiety.

The map can be downloaded here - https://tfl.gov.uk/tubetunnelmap