Spanish Tiger Ruth Lorenzo has made it through another week of the X Factor thanks to support from her adopted hometown of Ashtead - and a national treasure.

Last week Ruth joined the rest of the X factor finalists at the royal premiere of the new James Bond film Quantum of Solace. She said there were two memorable moments, seeing the soldiers from Headley Court and meeting Dame Judi Dench.

"My face lit up when I saw the soldiers I just wanted to stand with them the whole time," she said.

Later she met Dame Judi, Ruth said: "She said I was one of her favourites and she watches every week."

The 25-year-old singing sensation, who moved to the village earlier this year, said she was just happy to stay in the competition for another week.

"It's amazing, I'm so happy to be here," she said, after winning a place in the final eight with her rendition of disco classic Enough is Enough.

Friend Sally Hunt, with whom Ruth lived before she went into the X Factor house, said: "It's good she's keeping in, let's keep it like that."

Sally said her kids Sam, seven, and Oliver, nine, who go to Downsend School in Leatherhead Road, are delighted she is still in the competition.

"She's got support from my boys," she said.

"I'm just keeping my fingers crossed every week. She's definitely got the talent, I definitely think she's got a lot of local support."

Next week Ruth and the remaining finalists will tackle a Mariah Carey song in their bid to make it to the top.

Ruth said her song is very special one. "It's really melancholy and romantic."

She added the competition was really hotting up.

"Right now everyone is so good you can never say who is going home."

She said she is just trying to enjoy herself and be the happiest she can be.

"If I get sent home, I have done my best, I'm learning so much. The voice coach is amazing."

Despite the gruelling schedule of rehearsals and lessons, the Spaniard said wants this dream to go on forever.

"We don't have time to sit and do anything, when the day is over you feel like a bomb has exploded in your head. It's so cool, I would do this every single day."

Last Sunday the show's charity single Hero, a cover of the Mariah Carey classic, went straight to the top of the charts.

Money raised will go to the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes - a charity set up to help wounded service men and women.