JOINING up with one of the hottest girl groups to hit our shores, the Sugababes, has been a blast for talented young singer Amelle Berrabah.

The 22-year-old from Aldershot has been made to feel right at home in the wake of founding member Mutya’s departure for personal reasons at the end of last year.

The reaction from fans to the latest arrival within the ranks of this feisty Brit Award winning outfit appears positive.

"I didn’t think people would take to me being in the band in the beginning, so I had prepared myself for it being much harder ride. But everyone has been so welcoming to me, I’ve nothing to complain about," revealed Amelle as they gear up for a round of touring this summer that includes Rochester Castle.

Thrust straight into the action, the Hampshire-born singer has been busy re-recording tracks for the girl’s acclaimed number one album Taller In More Ways. Then there’s the not inconsiderable matter of touring with Take That.

"The Manchester show we did with them was the first stadium gig I’ve done and I was so nervous when I saw the crowd.

"But the boys have been really good to us, Howard and Mark came to our dressing room to see how we were getting on and thanked us for playing with them. Beverley Knight is also on the tour and she’s brilliant."

With a European tour and greatest hits package out later this year, they clearly have their hands full.

Since forming in the late Nineties they have enjoyed phenomenal success. Their string of top ten pop hits includes Round Round, Freak Like Me, Stronger, Hole In The Head and most recently, Red Dress.

Remarkably, these were all produced in Kent, near Maidstone, under the watchful eye of Brian Higgins’s influential Xenomania production company. The firm has also been responsible for chart-toppers by everyone from Girls Aloud and Danni Minogue to New Order.

As for Amelle’s story, her family are Moroccan but have long-since been based in England. Though she was surrounded by traditional North African music at home, her own tastes were far more Western.

"I’ve always loved music. I couldn’t afford to go to music school but I managed to win a scholarship to ACM Music College in Guildford where there were lots of DJs, MCs and guitarists. That was really good and it was through them I got the audition to join the group.

"My family are really proud of me and have been able to breathe a sigh of relief that I’ve made it as it has been a struggle to get into the business. My boyfriend Freddie is very supportive as he knows it’s what I have always wanted."

Undaunted by the surprise flop of their last single Follow Me Home, the are now focusing on the next album due in 2007.

Outside of work, Amelle enjoys the usual pursuits of a girl in her twenties, clubbing, sports and keeping fit at the gym. Keenly awaiting the summer shows and her debut in Kent, Amelle appears to be making the most of her golden opportunity.

"I am so happy to be with the band, doing something that I love and have been trying to get into for years. Never in my life did I think I would be in this group but I am proud to be part of it and we are getting on really well."