A young Romanian man who faced deportation is celebrating after securing enough funding to go to university, thanks to generous Argus readers.

Offers of help flooded in for Vasile Onica, 22, after we highlighted his plight.

He was offered a full-time job as a result of the story but discovered that his original plan of going to university was the only way he could get his visa extended.

Now, thanks to several donations, he hopes to be able to stay in this country and study for an HND in computing at Brighton University in September.

He has raised almost all of the £8,000 tuition fees for his first year and all Vasile needs now is a green light from the Home Office.

Vasile, who was rescued from a Romanian orphanage, can stay here and attend university pending the decision on the visa extension.

His foster father, Dr Stuart Newton, who lives in Horsham, said: "Thank you so much to The Argus for all its support and to the readers.

"I have been overwhelmed by how generous people have been. It leaves me speechless that they can be so kind. Even the £5 we received from a couple of pensioners means a lot.

"Without such donations and publicity, Vasile would never have been able to attend university."

One mystery benefactor has set up £5,000 trust fund. A couple have promised to provide £1,000-a-year for the next four years and a woman has sent a cheque for £1,000.

Vasile also intends to continue working part-time at Horsham-based Yes Car Credit.

Dr Newton said: "Now a young man has been put on the right direction in life. Vasile will hopefully be starting university at the beginning of term.

"All we need is a decision from the Home Office about whether he can stay if he is a student. We don't think it will be a problem but obviously we have to wait and see.

"In the meantime, Vasile is so excited. He went out with my daughter and her university friends last night and came back singing 'I'm going to university'.

"It is a big achievement for someone like Vasile who started life in a Romanian orphanage."

Dr Newton said the benefactors, who all wanted to remain anonymous, were touched by Vasile's background and wanted to help him achieve an education.

The Brighton University HND course runs for two years with the option of transferring to a degree.

Vasile's university place was confirmed after he recently passed an information technology exam which is equivalent to two A-levels.

When he first came to this country, he spoke no English and had little education.

Vasile hopes to get a decision from the Home Office within the next few months.

Anyone else who wants to help Vasile can call Dr Newton on 01403 240529 or email s_newton100@ hotmail.com