They are more used to playing to punters in cramped, smoke-filled pubs than performing at major venues like Wembley Arena.

Sarah James and Gordon Russell have been plying their trade as Two Timers for years but now they have been thrust into the limelight, supporting legendary rockers Status Quo on their British tour.

They will play at Wembley, Birmingham's NEC and the Brighton Centre during the 20-date tour of some of the biggest venues in Britain.

Band members Sarah James and Gordon Russell, from Crowborough, were spotted performing in a pub near Kingston, Surrey, by Status Quo bass guitarist John Edwards.

He suggested they could perform together and promptly asked Quo's management.

Two Timers heard nothing for several months until they were invited to join the tour.

Sarah said: "We were thrilled to bits. We didn't really know how it would work out, but it has turned out really well.

"We have had some really supportive messages from people who have seen us play together."

The band, whose music comprises blues, rock, and elements of country, have already completed 13 dates, including Plymouth, Bristol, Carlisle, Cardiff, Aberdeen and Dundee.

Sarah said: "We see Quo in the afternoons when we go to support them in concerts and they are really friendly.

"Rick Parfitt and Francis Rossi are really nice people and they are always taking the mickey out of us - but in a nice way.

"They don't suffer from the big-star syndrome and there is always a good atmosphere."

Sarah and Gordon formed Two Timers seven years ago when they were both living in Paris.

They moved back to England two years ago and have performed at venues across the South-East.

Sarah, who plays the harmonica, spoons and drum as well as singing, has performed with Gordon all over the world.

The pair are most excited by the prospect of playing at Wembley on December 15.

Sarah said: "That's the big one. We are really looking forward to it."

The band, who write their own songs, support Status Quo in Ipswich tomorrow, Cambridge on Thursday and the Brighton Centre on Saturday.

They move on to Bournemouth on Sunday, Nottingham on Monday, Harrogate next Wednesday, Oxford Apollo next Thursday and Wembley Arena and Birmingham NEC on December 16.