Ambitious University of East London student Roger Molloy has placed a bet on himself to win the Turner Prize before he turns 50.

The first year BA (Hons) Photography student opened the book on himself by gambling �20 at bookies William Hill that he would win the prestigious art prize previously won by artists such as Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst.

William Hill calculated the probabilities involved and gave Roger encouraging odds of 10-1 and now he has 15 years to win the prize before he loses his money.

Roger said: “The only way to know what your odds are of winning something is to actually get your odds! Once you have that you can then work towards improving them.”

The 35-year-old began his photography career working at family holiday park Butlins and on cruise liners and he hit the headlines for the first time three-and-a-half years ago when he turned the front room of his house into an art exhibition and his ultimate ambition is to be represented by a well-known art gallery.

Born and raised in Bethnal Green, east London, Roger is currently working on a project with UEL alumni and former Turner Prize nominees Gilbert and George.

Roger added: “I’m proud to be a student here and am really happy with the support the University and the tutors have given me, my mum did her degree at the UEL then North London Poly, so it feels like a family to me.”