FROM the town's first citizen to children at his old primary school, the people of Bolton are backing Vernon Kay's bid to be king of the castle tonight.

The Bolton television presenter is one of three finalists left in I'm a Celebrity..Get Me Out of Here, with the grand final on ITV this evening.

He has received messages of support from his home town as he goes head to head with Jordan North, Shane Richie and Giovanna Fletcher

Children at St Mary's RC Primary School in Horwich, Vernon's old school, sent him messages of support as did Bolton Mayoress Cllr Linda Thomas.

They have been posted on the TV personality's instagram page, to which his wife, Strictly Come Dancing host, Tess Daly has reacted to.

Headteacher Anne-Marie Davies said: "The children and staff were excited today to send a good luck message to Vernon Kay as he continues his time in 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.' Vernon is a past pupil of St Mary's RC Primary School Horwich. Some staff still remember him attending the school as a young boy.

"Our midday supervisors Kath McCaffrey and Ursula Coward remember him and our teacher Louise Speakman was in the same class as him.

"They all describe him as a lovely kind boy, which is coming across in the camp."

" We are pleased and proud to be able to support and encourage him."

She added: "Vernon came to visit the school during its 100th anniversary.

"The Year Five and Year Six children are watching it and were so excited to send messages of support to him ­— I'm voting for him!"

Bolton Mayor, Cllr Linda Thomas also sent a message of support.

She said: "We are all rooting for you in the I'm a Celebrity Camp, you've shown compassion. courage and also a real genuine heart of gold to all your fellow camp mates You are Bolton born and bred and we couldn't be prouder of you."

The final will show at 9pm.