A teenager has been given a bursary to help kick-start a future port-related career.

Owen Hayward, who was born in Dover but lives in Deal, is an A-level student studying for qualifications in maths, business and geography.

He goes to Sir Roger Manwood’s School in Sandwich.

His bursary forms part of the port’s wider Youth Engagement Scheme, which aims to provide jobs at the port through further education.

The scheme also aims to get people from the district involved in its running, especially at a time when the Dover Western Docks revival is coming to fruition.

Students have the opportunity to take part in paid work placements during or following the period of their study, which lasts for up to a year.

Owen is the latest addition to the Port of Dover’s team of young people who have joined the scheme.

When he has finished school, he aims to study for a BSc in accounting and finance at the University of Sussex.

He said: “I feel extremely proud at having been given this opportunity by the Port of Dover.

“To get such support from a local business to develop my skills and to have the chance to experience life at the port and share in its exciting future plans is fantastic.”

Tim Waggott, the port’s chief executive, said: “I am delighted to award Owen his bursary.

“It is another sign of the Port’s commitment to giving young people the tools for future success here in Dover.

“The scheme is bringing the Port and its community closer in developing a shared understanding of the Port, what it does and its place within Dover as a major employer now and in the future.

“The aim is to serve the Port’s customers in the years to come through young local people delivering excellent customer service in their chosen profession.”