Welling teenager Charlie Jones has made it through to week four of the X Factor finals and is "absolutely loving it" despite near misses and Twitter trolling.

The 14-year-old, who attends Wilmington Grammar in Common Lane and lives in Welling, appeared on the ITV show at the weekend along with his seven band-mates.

The boys' group, Stereo Kicks, is attracting a lot of attention - particularly from teenage girls - with near misses, rumoured line-up changes and even Twitter abuse.

Even former Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins put the boot in, tweeting: "They look like teenage boys waiting at an STI clinic to find out some really bad news."

News Shopper: Stereo Kicks have survived the latest X Factor sing-off

But Charlie's mum, Julie, told News Shopper he is simply enjoying getting up to mischief.

She said: "He’s absolutely loving it. 

"He’s liking the social media aspect, the other day him and one of the other band members were scanning their faces on the photocopier and adding it to Vine. They're really naughty.

"I wouldn’t want to comment on her (Katie Hopkins) because I think that woman gets enough airtime as it is. She doesn’t need any more."

It had been predicted last weekend one of the members would leave the group after they were in the bottom two the week before and mentor Louis Walsh said he had never wanted a band of eight. 

However the group remained intact and soloist Jake Quickendon was booted off instead.

Julie said: "Charlie was quite emotional on the evening after Louis had suggested the band was too big. 

"But the X Factor organisers told us the band wouldn’t be broken up.

"With hindsight Louis said something he shouldn’t have but he apologised for it.

"But the boys are finding their feet and putting their foot down more when it comes to the choice of songs and they’re really happy with the song they’ve got this week."

Simon Cowell praised the boys’ performance on Saturday (October 25) and slammed Walsh for suggesting the band be broken up.

Email hwood@london.newquest.co.uk to download a poster supporting Charlie and the band.