For most teenagers, being on stage with chart-topping Brit girl group The Sugababes would be the ultimate success. But Rene Woollard, 19, will go one better.

Now he's going on tour with international superstar Beyonce Knowles.

Rene, of Junction Road, Burgess Hill, accompanied The Sugababes for their latest single Hole In The Head on Top Of The Pops, just days before it entered the UK charts at number one.

He was one of three students from the Brighton Institute of Modern Music (BIMM) to perform on the show, with two others accompanying Fame Academy winner Alex Parks.

Rene will now be going on the road with former Destiny's Child star Beyonce, who has sold millions of records across the world.

Rene got the Sugababes job after being recommended by a music agency he joined while studying guitar at BIMM in Rock Gardens, Brighton.

After impressing with his Top Of The Pops performance, he was offered the chance to join the backing band for ex-5ive singer Abs, who is supporting Beyonce on tour.

As well as appearing on TV shows such as MTV Hits and CD:UK, the three-week UK tour will include dates at Wembley Arena and the Birmingham NEC.

Rene, who recently graduated from the college, said: "I've never done anything like this before - it really feels like a big break.

"I felt surreal doing Top Of The Pops. When I got there Blue were performing, with Sugababes sitting watching. You don't expect to see big celebrities like that.

"But it was a terrific experience. I thought I wouldn't have a clue what to say to Abs or the Sugababes but they've been really friendly and normal. I do feel now, 'This is my job'.

"There aren't many bigger stars than Beyonce right now. Unfortunately I won't be performing with her but it'll be good to meet her."

Beyonce's hits include Crazy In Love as a solo artist and Bootylicious and Independent Woman as part of US three-piece Destiny's Child.

Rene, a funk rock fan and Lenny Kravitz devotee, has been training as a musician for three years after leaving Oakmeeds Community School in Burgess Hill.

He hopes to build a career as a session musician while writing and producing his own music and teaching contemporary guitar.

Will Farquharson, who has just finished a bass guitar course at BIMM, accompanied Alex Parks for her debut performance on Top Of The Pops, recording the show on his 21st birthday.

BIMM director Bruce Dickinson said: "I don't think you can get a better birthday present than performing on the music show that all people starting out in the industry want to be on."

Will has also performed with Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates on shows including Top Of The Pops, Blue Peter and Today With Des And Mel.

Joining him to accompany Alex Parks was 22-year-old fellow BIMM student Alex Pick on keyboards, who is studying for a degree in professional musicianship.

And the college, which bills itself as a real-life "fame academy", has even more reason to celebrate as Alex Park's debut single, Maybe That's What It Takes, was co-written with Helen Boulding, who is a regular guest tutor at the college and is due to return to pass on expert advice to students in the next few weeks.

She struck up a friendship with Alex after visiting the Fame Academy house to help the students with their songwriting skills.

Anyone interested in guitar lessons from Rene should call 01444 235408.