As Transport for London (TfL) celebrates its 25th anniversary today (Thursday, 3 July), 50 stations across the capital will host birthday announcements on the transport network from 25 young people who are TfL 'Superfans,' following a competition that saw entries from hundreds of children and young people.

More than 300 young Londoners aged 5 - 16 wrote to TfL after the competition launched in March, with entrants picking out their favourite mode of TfL transport, such as buses, DLR or the London Underground, and using their creativity and imagination to describe in just 100 words what it meant to them.

The hundreds of entries demonstrate the love that children and young people feel for London's transport network.

The judges were blown away by the standard of entries, from creative poems to station challenges, and transport-themed bedrooms to birthday parties.

Many of the young people who shared their love of transport are disabled and spoke about how public transport allows them to explore more of the capital and see their family and friends.

A panel of judges from across TfL selected 25 winners, who each recorded an announcement for TfL that will broadcast at their local Tube or rail station today, as well as one in central London, to mark 25 years since TfL was formed.

The announcements wish TfL a 'happy birthday' and remind people to 'mind the gap,' and will play approximately on the hour between 6am and 8pm, giving people plenty of opportunity to hear them as they go about their day.

The winners will also each have a behind-the-scenes tour of a station or depot of their choice, attend a private Superfans event at the London Transport Museum, feature in a Superfans poster that will be displayed across the TfL network, and receive a 'goodie bag' with TfL 25th anniversary merchandise.

TfL turns 25 today (Credit: TfL)

Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: "I've been absolutely delighted by the outstanding entries submitted by young Londoners who have all shown such passion and enthusiasm for TfL and our transport network.

"TfL's Superfans competition is a really fitting way to mark TfL's 25th anniversary and I'm looking forward to hearing some of their announcements on the network today."

London's Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, said: "We were completely bowled over by the response to our Superfans competition and would like to thank each and every child for their inspiring entries.

"Staff were moved by the enthusiasm and effort in each entry, whether a poem, a handwritten note or a personal story, and had a very difficult time choosing just 25 winners.

"On this milestone anniversary for TfL, with these wonderful messages playing in our stations, it's a time to reflect on the achievements of the last 25 years, as well as look forward to the future of our transport network – one that we feel sure will be shaped by our Superfans!"

The competition is part of celebrations this year marking TfL's milestone anniversary, which kicked off in January with a lineup of buskers at Liverpool Street station, a silver 'TfL25' roundel and a collection of posters highlighting milestones from over the years such as the Northern Line Extension, Oyster contactless smart card, and the Night Tube.

In addition to supporting jobs, homes and economic growth, TfL has helped to make London a place where children can thrive, with the introduction of free travel, cleaner air through the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and TfL Travel for Life, the accreditation programme for schools that promotes sustainable travel.

TfL has helped to make London a place where children can thrive (Credit: TfL)

The London Transport Museum, host of the Superfans private event, is also running a series of events over the summer for all children.

A brand-new theatre production, Transport Explorers: A Live Show starts on 19 July, while a series of fun family activities including storytelling, arts & crafts and workshops will run on multiple dates over the school holidays.