Rita Payne is not, as you would expect, a girl singer. It is an acoustic, foot-stomping duo who appeared on BBC TV’s The Voice last year.

Rhiannon Scutt and Pete Sowerby, who makeup Rita Payne, are heading for Swindon this month.

The musicians hail from Doncaster. They were asked to pen the official anthem of Doncaster for the opening of the new multi-million pound arts centre called Cast, before headlining the venue.

They are renowned for their folky vocal harmonies and toe-tapping acoustic guitar riffs. They have supported such acts as Jon McClure, John Otway and Wilko Johnson and are keen activists who use their music to support chosen charities.

Rhiannon began songwriting when she was really young, but Pete, on the other hand, was a keen footballer at the age of 12, and a failed child actor, so music became his true love.

The duo appeared on The Voice in May last year singing Billie Jean, but sadly were not chosen to go on to the next stage. However the duo were not daunted and have now brought out their debut album, Stories From A Suitcase. So named because they use a suitcase as a bass drum.

The folksy blues duo will be playing songs from the album when they come to Swindon’s Arts Centre, Devizes Road in Old Town on February 13. Tickets are £10 from the box office on 01793 614837.- Flicky Harrison