A GWENT student could be swapping business studies for showbusiness after singing his way into the finals of a UK talent competition.

Rickie-Lee Arthur from Newport will be taking part in the final of UK Unsigned next summer, in a bid to land a major contract with a recording company.

The 16-year-old pop singer, of Llantarnam Road, Malpas, wants to follow in the footsteps of his heroes - Justin Timberlake, Will Young and Lemar.

"Before that I wanted to be a footballer like my dad," he said.

His father and manager Lee Arthur, who was an apprentice at Newport County and enjoyed spells at Shrewsbury Town and Derby County, told the talented teenager to put all his eggs in one basket and concentrate on his singing.

"I told him he was a much better singer than a footballer," he said. "We're also working on a demo which we will be sending out to record companies.

"The songs are originals, by local songwriters."

As well as enjoying a brief spell in a fledgling boy band managed by Dragonheart boss Bill Fitzgerald, the budding star performed in Newport Operatic Society's Christmas production of Scrooge at the Dolman Theatre.

"My primary goal is to be a successful solo pop artist," said the young singer, who is currently studying business at Coleg Gwent in Newport. "I have been really busy lately - I have hardly had any days off this year.

"Making the finals is really exciting but I am going to keep the drama going as well for the time being."