A YOUNG Ipswich musician is today preparing for a national competition in his chosen field - the fascinating sound of beatboxing.

James Marston

A YOUNG Ipswich musician is today preparing for a national competition in his chosen field - the fascinating sound of beatboxing.

Tom Swarman has been selected to take part in the Vauxhall UK Beatbox Championships.

The former East Bergholt High School student was chosen after submitting a demonstration recording of his talent to judges.

The 21-year-old, of London Road, Ipswich, said: “Beatboxing is made from the vocal chords and the mouth and tongue and nasal passages into rhythm and sounds in a beat pattern.

“It is quite simple to do. You exaggerate the sounds and make air move quickly from your mouth.

“I've been doing it for about six years after I saw it done by a friend when I was about 14. I studied music at school and it progressed from there.”

The Vauxhall UK Beatbox Championships is taking place today at London's Islington 02 Academy.

Tom said: “I'm really pleased to get to this stage of the competition. There are eight of us and the two winners will go on to a grand final at Brixton Academy. I entered in 2006 and I came second then.”