Stuart Baggs's mother leads tributes to The Apprentice star at his funeral

Apprentice star Stuart Baggs's mother described him as a "dedicated and hard-working businessman" at his funeral today.

The 27 year old, who ran a communications firm on the Isle of Man, was found dead at his home in the island's capital, Douglas, on July 30.

Mr Baggs, who became The Apprentice's youngest ever candidate in 2010 at the age of 21, died as a result of his asthma, which he had suffered from for many years.

Whilst on the show he came out with a string of memorable one-liners including "everything I touch turns to sold" and "I'm not a one-trick pony ... I'm a whole field of ponies".

Rosemary Baggs, 58, led tributes to her entrepreneurial son in front of mourners at St Ninian's Church in Douglas, where the congregation were asked to wear blue, Baggs's favourite colour.

She told them: "Ironically for someone known for his quote about a field of ponies he was actually allergic to horses.

"Behind our sense of sadness is a feeling of pride in the wonderful kind, caring and loyal man our son had become and we hope in time that these feelings along with all the memories of the fun and laughter we shared will help to numb our pain."

After being "fired" by Lord Sugar, Mr Baggs became managing director of communications firm BlueWave Communications in his home town of Douglas.

Lord Sugar today left a floral tribute to Mr Baggs in the shape of a teardrop. The arrangement read: "With deepest sympathy from Lord Sugar and everyone at The Apprentice."

His coffin was brought in to Ed Sheeran's song "Photograph" before three friends delivered speeches to the sea of mourners.

A video compilation of Baggs's life was played to the congregation before his coffin, which had been adorned with cream and purple roses, was carried out to Craig David's "7 Days".

Following news of his death, Lord Sugar tweeted that Baggs had been "one of the stand out characters" of the hit show.