BY day he adopts a dog collar – but by night the Rev Donald McFadyen moves to the beat of his drums. The vicar of St Peter and St Paul Church in Bassingbourn plays the drums in a band called Section 17 with four doctors from Kneesworth House Hospital, inc

BY day he adopts a dog collar - but by night the Rev Donald McFadyen moves to the beat of his drums.

The vicar of St Peter and St Paul Church in Bassingbourn plays the drums in a band called Section 17 with four doctors from Kneesworth House Hospital, including an ex-professional musician who played bass on Crystal Gayle's Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.

He said: "I was approached by the band after writing a piece for the village magazine. I was introducing myself as the new vicar and mentioned that I played the drums and it went from there."

Donald, who also lectures at Ridley Hall theological college in Cambridge, has been playing the drums since he was 10-years-old.

"My PE teacher played the drums on the Sonny and Cher track I Got You Babe. He brought a drum kit into school and helped us play along to Elton John songs."

Donald, who is particularly fond of jazz music, said playing the drums gives him a creative outlet.

"I was on a course about jazz improvisation and we spent time talking about how important it is to be creative and that's the outlet for me."

The band, which got its name from a mental health Act, is influenced by jazz, folk and rock music.

"I enjoy the music we write ourselves. We will start playing a few chords and the music will just write itself."

Donald admits he has experienced a few raised eyebrows and laughter when he tells people about the band, but he says they just want to have fun.

"We hope people will enjoy the music we play. The power of music brings people together and this was underlined by the village gig last month in the vicarage garden."

In the future, the band would like to record some of its own material and perform at gigs.

Donald's wife, Melanie, said: "I love the drums. It's normality in our house and part of who Donald is. I think it's great Donald is pursuing something he enjoys.