A TEENAGE technology whiz has become the first person in the UK to create a social network app.

Khurram Asif, 16, of Chingford Road, Walthamstow, has developed Heelo, an app for calling, messaging and video conferencing.

The student who is studying for his A Levels at Walthamstow Academy was inspired to create the app after watching his father Rana, 55, struggle with technology.

It comes after the teenager secured a £2.5 million contract with games developer Rovio.

He said: “After I got my father his first iPhone I watched him struggle to use it so I wanted to make an app that is simple to use.

“What I have tried to do is label as much as possible and explain everything. Technology is made for the human race and everybody should be able to use it.

“I want to be a computer scientist one day. I have always had the dream to get a degree. I would be the first in my family to get a degree.

“Apps and technology have developed so quickly that some consumers are left behind. Heelo is designed to make technology and communication easy for everyone.”

Khurram spent a year and a half developing the app which is free to download.

He juggled working on the app with studying for his GCSEs, which he gained A* and A grades in.

Khurram launched his own technology company when he was 11. TechSimulater is dedicated to developing apps for private companies.

He has since signed a contract with Qatar Airways to develop an app for the company.

Heelo, available on iOS from March and Android from September, will launch at The May Fair Hotel in Stratton Street, Mayfair at 11am on Friday, March 3.

Entry is free. For more information click here.