A YOUNG entrepreneur from Canvey has reached the finals of a business competition.

Charlie Carlton, 15, a pupil at Castle View School, has made it to the final five in the Virgin Media Sparks competition to discover the young online businessmen and women of the future.

Charlie impressed the judges with his website, www.toffeedesign.com, an interactive media company offering web design for local businesses.

He said: "Web design has always been an interest of mine. My first experience came when I helped my local football team redesign its website.

"I'm really pleased I did so well in the competition and I'm planning to continue to develop my idea in my spare time."

The competition was run by Virgin Media and the Bright Ideas Trust - founded by winner of TV's The Apprentice, Tim Campbell, who was among the judges.

Mr Campbell said: "I was impressed with the quality of all the entries, but Charlie's entry really stood out.

"It's great he's got a fully functioning site and his business up and running with minimal help.

"He's already done some great work for local businesses.

"The internet is such an important tool in today's business world and it's really great to see Charlie incorporating that into his idea.

"I hope Charlie's business goes from strength to strength."