A charity has helped a "gifted" teenager reach his potential by preparing him for entry at a prestigious university.

With the help of Oxbridge Prospects, Billy Day, of Nelson Road, Chingford has been given an offer to study political science at Cambridge University.

The 19-year-old has recently returned from an "intense" 10-day summer school in Cambridge where he entered into debates at the Cambridge Union - Europe's oldest debating chamber, and took part in academic classes and seminars with leading professionals.

The former Highams Park School pupil in Handsworth Avenue, was offered a place at Cambridge based on his interview performance, submitted written work, and four A* A levels that he achieved at Woodhouse College in Finchley.

He is taking a gap year before starting his degree and intends to spend the next 12 months getting his teeth into politics, volunteering and working as a teaching assistant.

He said: "It’s a proud moment for me and my family who have supported me all the way.

"We are also grateful for the wider support.

"The Oxbridge Prospects summer school was so intense it changed my way of thinking, but the best part is, they stay with you.

"It’s really reassuring to have an expert to call, who encourages you to play with hard ideas you’ve not come across."

Oxbridge Prospects was founded in 2010 to give gifted state school pupils the best opportunity to gain places at top universities in the UK and U.S.