Pub singer lands Dome opening gig

Rietta Austin arrived in Britain from New Zealand eight years ago

A pub singer from south London is set to be the first act to perform at the O2 Arena, formerly the Millennium Dome.

Rietta Austin was asked to sing at the venue in Greenwich, south-east London, by the music promoter of The Bedford in Balham, where she regularly performs.

The 36-year-old will appear in front of about 12,000 people at a "community day" organised by the venue's owners as a dummy run for Sunday night's opening.

The 20,000-seater arena is part of a £350m refit of the whole venue.

"I can't believe that I'm going to be the first act at O2," she said. "It's amazing, I'm unbelievably excited."

So grateful

Ms Austin, originally from New Zealand, arrived in Britain eight years ago.

"I didn't really know anybody here. I came over here on my own but I fell in love with London. I fell in love with Britain."

She added: "It's been a big slog not knowing anybody. When I first arrived I thought Boots sold boots."

She soon entered a karaoke contest in an East End pub which she won.

This led to her meeting various musicians which, in turn, led to an introduction to Tony Moore, music promoter at The Bedford where past acts have included Imogen Heap and James Morrison.

Talent scouts from Halo Records saw her at the venue and offered her a contract to produce an album, which she will be performing at the O2.

"I can't tell you how excited I am and I'm so grateful to everybody for giving me this opportunity," Ms Austin said.