A secondary school is backing its former pupil as he prepares himself for the final of a TV talent show this weekend.

Aaron Bentley, 22, has been gaining popularity in the BBC One contest, Let it Shine, which is headed by Take That lead singer Gary Barlow.

The aim is to select five boys to form a boy band who will also sing some of the Take That’s greatest hits among other tracks.

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The final will see Mr Bentley's band Five to Five go head-to-head with rivals Nightfall and Drive.

Mr Bentley went to Brockhill Park Performing Arts College in Saltwood, Hythe, leaving the school's sixth form in 2013.

He was also part on the in-house dance company there, Instep.

The school has created a video of all its students wishing the band the best of luck.

Head teacher Sonette Schwartz said: "We are thinking of you AJ and we are very, very proud of you."

The former Brockhill Park student also said Robbie Williams will be appearing on the panel this weekend, to help with the judging in this crucial round.

Mr Bentley, known as AJ on the show, added: “My absolute idol Robbie Williams is on the panel, so I’m not sure if I’m even going to be able to get any words out.

“Other than that I’m just blessed to be in the position I’m in and want to thank everyone who has voted for me to get this far.”

Let it Shine returns tomorrow night at 6.45pm.