A competition has been launched to find Havering's "unsung heroes" and celebrate the naming of the London Overground Liberty line.

Transport for London (TfL) is encouraging Havering residents to nominate those who have made a special contribution to their community for a chance to win Overground-related prizes.

The competition is also celebrating the launch of the Liberty line this autumn - the renamed route which links Romford and Upminster.

Its new name signifies Havering's historical status as a Royal Liberty from 1465 to 1892, during which time residents were granted special freedoms when compared with the rest of London.

London Assembly member Sem Moema and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan with a new Liberty line signLondon Assembly member Sem Moema and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan with a new Liberty line sign (Image: TfL)

London's deputy mayor for transport, Seb Dance, said: "The London Overground line connecting Romford and Upminster will become the Liberty line in autumn, in celebration of Havering’s rich local history.

"It’s a great opportunity for locals to get involved, as we make the London Overground easier to navigate, while celebrating the diversity of London’s heritage and communities."

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Prizes for the "unsung heroes" include an exclusive cab ride on the London Overground, a behind-the-scenes tour of a railway control centre in Romford, and an invitation to see the installation of the first new Liberty line signs.

Liberty line roundel celebrating Havering's historyLiberty line roundel celebrating Havering's history (Image: TfL)

The contest runs until September 15, with winners selected by the staff at the three stations - Romford, Emerson Park and Upminster - along the new Liberty line.

Residents can nominate their heroes by filling in nomination forms available at Romford and Upminster stations, submitting them via a station member at Emerson Park or via email at libertylinecompetition@tfl.gov.uk.

TfL has also released a new episode of the Mind the Gap podcast exploring Havering's unique history.

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Tim Dunn joined historian Brian Evans on a walking tour through Romford on the latest 'Mind the Gap' episodeTim Dunn joined historian Brian Evans on a walking tour through Romford on the latest Mind the Gap episode (Image: TfL)

Podcast host Tim Dunn, who also presents TV series Secrets of the London Underground, said: "Our public transport network represents the freedom to get around the city for so many Londoners.

"That’s part of the liberty embodied by the naming of this line.

"The new name for the London Overground line also reflects the area’s history of course, and I can’t wait for people to hear some of the intriguing stories of Havering’s past in the new podcast episode."

During the episode, Tim spoke to Ellen Owen, who is a former director of Havering Museum, and joined historian Brian Evans on a walking tour through Romford to uncover the hidden remnants of the former Royal Liberty.

TfL is also running a competition to create a poster or a poem for each Overground line, set to be featured on the network this year.