IT was a dream for The White Lakes to have their name in bright lights at the O2 Arena.

Now it is reality after the Oxfordshire band were voted to play alongside Razorlight at the London venue.

The group usually plays in front of punters in pubs but tonight they will entertain thousands of screaming fans.

Winning the regional 'Live at your local' competition run by pub chain Greene King, the foursome were voted for by thousands of people in the county for a spot to play live at the O2 Indigo in the main arena.

The group, made up of rhythm guitarist and singer Matt Ellacott from Wantage, lead guitarist Charlie Burham from Abingdon, bassist Alex Carvell Turner from Kidlington and drummer Kyle Oliveira from Ramsden, thanked the Oxford Mail and members of the public for their support.

The 18-year-old rock stars – thought to be the youngest band playing at the O2 tonight – now hope their performance will land them £5,000 and a recording studio experience.

Lead vocalist Matt said the band 'did not expect' to make it so far in the competition, having only starting playing properly about six months ago.

He added: "To get this far, we are over the moon.

"It's like a dream come true really. Oxfordshire got us there. We are just so thankful for the support everyone has given us and to the Oxford Mail for helping us."

Ahead of their biggest gig, the band told how their sharp rise to success started at The Bay Tree pub in Denchworth Road, Wantage.

The young rockers met on the music course they are studying at City of Oxford College in Oxpens Road, Oxford.

The band played mainly indie rock and only perform their own material.

They take inspiration from bands including Circa Waves, Two Door Cinema Club, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Softengine and Air Traffic.

The foursome are now hopeful their sound will be spotted by record labels at the gig.

Matt added: "We are amazed at how supportive everyone has been in getting us to the O2.

"We will provide energy on stage, if you like our songs, then you like our songs. We will just play our music and get the crowd going.

"We are more excited than nervous. When we hear our name announced I do not know if I'll be nervous or I'll get an adrenaline rush.

"It will be such an amazing night. Going from playing in pubs in front of 70 people to going into a well known arena is going to be something spectacular."