A Maidstone lad is one step closer to performing in the live shows on X factor, after his band sailed through the latest stage of the ITV talent show.

Josh Zaré, who studied at Maidstone Girls' Grammar School's Sixth Form from 2009 until 2011, has made it through to the final 24 acts with band Kingsland.

They have been tipped to be the next big boyband and have been compared to the show's previous contestants One Direction.

The 20-year-old will be joining pals Matt, Connor, Thompson and Jay when they travel to mentor Gary Barlow's house in next weekend's episode, where they will be told if they have made it through to the live shows.

The lads, all aged 19 to 24, work part time in a bar and all live together in East London.

They sang For Once in my Life by Stevie Wonder for the panel and a 4,000 strong audience on Sunday’s episode.

Maidstone Girls' Grammar School posted a message of support on its website, saying: "Josh was an active and involved member of our sixth form, and contributed greatly to productions at the school and to RAG week performances in 2010.

"We would like to wish Josh all the very best for his involvement in the competition and we look forward to seeing him achieve further success with his group Kingsland."