A student from Havering has the chance to pursue his "lifelong dream" of becoming an architect after he secured a university scholarship.

Jordanas Viliusis, who is the first person in his family to go to university, started his architecture studies at the University of Greenwich on Monday (September 23).

This is after development company Wates Group and architect Collado Collins sponsored Jordanas with a bursary to cover his first three years of study.

Collado Collins will also provide the student with paid work experience and a paid placement year at its head office.

Jordanas said he and his family were in "disbelief" when they heard the news.

He said: "The prospect of attending university to study architecture is a lifelong dream come true.

"I’ll be the first person in my family to pursue higher education.

"This is an incredible first step in my architecture journey and I cannot thank you [Collado Collins] enough."

Roy Collado said the company had 'lucked out' with Jordanas (Image: Collado Collins)

Jordanas' interest in architecture stems from his childhood love of construction and landscape architecture.

He hopes to incorporate natural beauty into his future designs.

RELATED NEWS: Havering Sixth Form student overcomes cancer to get top BTECs

Roy Collado, the director of Collado Collins, said: "We have lucked out with Jordanas who stood out, and who will now be supported through his studies.

"The process has been uplifting and humbling, and I hope that in the future Jordanas will pay it forward when he establishes himself as an architect."

Councillor Graham Williamson, cabinet lead for regeneration and development at Havering Council, wished Jordanas the "very best" in his studies.