A NEW Vicar for Uplyme and Axmouth is singing from a different hymn sheet – as he delivers beatboxing sermons. Gavin Tyte, 38, moved into the rectory in Uplyme last month and is due to start his duties in the New Year.

A NEW Vicar for Uplyme and Axmouth is singing from a different hymn sheet - as he delivers beatboxing sermons.

Gavin Tyte, 38, moved into the rectory in Uplyme last month and is due to start his duties in the New Year.

But the married-father-of-two has his parishioners tuned in with his vocal ability to produce drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds.

He said: "It's who I am and what I do. For the last two years I've been doing it in worship as part of a music group - like another instrument.

"You don't need any equipment, it's a fantastic skill to have and people love it. It appeals to all age groups - from pre-school children to over 60s. And you can do any type of genre, such as rock, drum base."

Mr Tyte started beatboxing at 8 years of age and now judges the national Vauxhall UK Championships.

He said: "To get good you have to practice. It's amazing what some young people are doing. It's like learning an instrument from scratch - you're using mouth muscles you've never used before.

"It's really hard to start with, but it's something you can do anywhere - in the shower, in the car."

He helped set up one of the first beatbox websites, now called humanbeatbox, which he sold two years ago.

He performs at shows across the UK, but says he is happiest when beatboxing to school children.

To find out more visit www.humanbeatbox.com . Alternatively, you can email Rev Tyte on vicar@uplymechurch.org.uk or call at the church office on (01297) 44499.