A Tadworth man has reached the final of the TV show The Apprentice.

Chris Bates who grew up in Tadworth will join fellow remaining contestant Stella English in this Sunday’s final which will see the winner offered a £100k a year job with host Lord Alan Sugar.

The 24-year-old was one of Wednesday’s final five who battled it out for a place in the final.

Mr Bates studied at the Wallington County Grammar, in Croydon Road, from September 1997 until May 2004 and then went on to Nottingham University where he achieved a first class degree.

Peter Smart, Mr Bates’ old headmaster, said: “Chris was outstanding academically and was an enthusiastic supporter of the school.

“He worked and played hard. He was captain of the 1st XV school rugby team and also a senior prefect.

“We’ve been following the show since it started and we're absolutely delighted for him, Chris should do very well in whatever career he chooses to pursue.”

The contestants eliminated earlier in the series will join the finalists on Sunday - except Stuart “The Brand” Baggs.

Mr Baggs, 21, was fired in sensational fashion by Lord Alan Sugar who had grown “sick and tired” of his behaviour.

Don't miss our special live Apprentice blog on Sunday night, when Chris will go head-to-head with the Epsom Guardian's sister newspaper News Shopper, who are backing fellow finalist, Stella English...