Banging the drum for Biggleswade!

Paul Burne, of London Road, Biggleswade is set to play percussion at the Olympic Stadium ceremonies after he attended auditions in London.

The 43-year-old, who plays in the band Piston Groovy is looking forward to the performances but with some apprehension.

He said: “I would say I am excited but also a bit terrified about it to be honest!

“It’s certainly a long way from playing to 50 people in one of the local pubs with the band!”

IT project manager Paul, who has lived in Biggleswade for 12 years clinched a part in the ceremonies after he saw an advert on Facebook.

He added: “I’m a member of a drumming group on Facebook and I saw something on there where you could apply to take part in the ceremonies.

“I was later invited to go to two auditions.

“One focussed on dancing and choreography but at the second one it was all about percussion.”

Paul – who will be taking part in rehearsals throughout May, June and July – has not yet been told exactly what instruments he will be playing at the ceremonies on July 27 and August 12.

But at the second audition different items were used to test the auditionees.

Paul said: “There were hundreds of us so it wasn’t really practical to give everyone drums to play.

“At one point we were using upside-down cement pots as percussion!

“It was more difficult for me as I’m left-handed and when they were giving us the instructions they were for right-handed people, so that made it all the more challenging.”

Piston Groovy play at pubs around Chronicle Country, usually about once a month.

Paul is also currently learning to play the piano and guitar.

He said: “I have been playing the drums since I was very young and this will be a real honour.

“I’m looking forward to playing my part.”