A GIGANTIC tunnel-boring machine that will help ensure London is kept alight was unveiled this week in Haringey.

The machine, named Cleopatra, was lowered into a pre-prepared shaft on National Grid’s site in Eade Road on Wednesday.

This marked the start of a £773 million project costing that will transfer electricity via the tunnel to all London boroughs. The tunnel, dug at a rate of 120 metres per week, stretch 20 miles, two thirds the length of the Channel Tunnel, will be the height of a double-decker bus and at points reaches a depth of 60 metres.

David Luetchford, National Grid Project Manager said: “The arrival of Cleopatra and the beginning of tunnelling marks a real landmark for the project.

"Once operational London Power Tunnels will help ensure homes, business, community and leisure facilities across the capital continue to receive the power supplies that make life as we know it possible.”

“By housing the cables deep underground we are avoiding digging up London’s road network, which would risk major disruption. “It also means we can easily access the tunnels to carry out future maintenance work.”

From Haringey, the machine will run along a pre-determined route connecting National Grid’s substations at Hackney, St John’s Wood and Willesden.

A second tunnel will follow between Wimbledon and Kensal Green and work is to be completed and operating by 2018. National Grid has teamed up with City Year charity to encourage youngsters to engage with the project.

City Year is an International Charity, which aims to improve children’s academic performances and to help them grow up to be responsible and active actives.

Youngsters from St Marys RC School on Hertimage Road, Tottenham were invited to come along and admire the machine on Thursday.

Nine-year-old Libby O’Shea who won a competition organised by National Grid to name the machine was also special guest.

Mr Luetchford said:“With visits like this we can show youngsters first hand how our work makes life as we know it possible.

“It’s fantastic that we can help educate children in the local community about our work and hopefully some of our visitors may even be inspired to pursue a career in engineering when they are older.”