SIX years ago he was a brickie, but opera singer Gari Glaysher has now been given his first headline slot at the IndigO2 Arena.

The Bromley tenor, who has played at venues around the world as part of opera groups, is to play his first show under his own name at the O2's second concert space on June 20.

And should the show prove a success, the 40-year-old, who lives in Madison Gardens with his wife, Lin, and adopted daughters, Jessica, 15, and 12-year-old Lily, could be given a regular slot at the venue.

He said: "I have travelled Britain and Europe with opera companies, but this is going to be my first major venue where it is just me and my guests, so it will mean a lot to me.

"They want to call it the Gari Glaysher show, and upon its assumed success, they want to repeat it throughout the year.

"As well as friends and family, I have a good fanbase, and a lot of people have only really been able to travel to see me, so this is an opportunity to see me in concert."

The show will feature several other rising stars of the British classical music scene.

These include classical guitarist Craig Ogden and classical jazz pianist Eliza Emery, daughter of comedian Dick Emery.

Robyn Sevastos, who runs the Bromley Philharmonic Choir, and soprano Naomi Watson complete the line-up.

In March last year, after sending out a number of demo CDs, Mr Glaysher signed a contract with Ron Winter Management, a subsidiary of major label Universal.

He had previously worked as a bricklayer around the Bromley area, but after receiving singing coaching, he moved on Mr Glaysher said: "I have gone from nowhere to what I have got today, making a nice living and having a loving family in Bromley.

"It may sound corny but there's no other way of saying it - I earn a living doing something I really love."