EIGHT years ago, Conor Doughty, then aged ten, was introduced to the unique sound of beatboxing by his father’s friend, who made an impromptu performance while visiting the family.

This year he is set to make waves on the underground scene as he takes on the UK’s best beatboxers in a nationwide competition.

Conor, now 18, of Wanstead Park Road, Ilford, revealed he has been perfecting his act by busking daily in London’s Leicester Square.

“It’s a great way of polishing my act – I get such a buzz out of performing!

“I am not working at the moment, so I can devote lots of time to practice,” added Conor.

But he is determined to stay away from a conventional 9 to 5 life for the time being, instead focusing his energy on performing.

The former pupil of Wanstead High, Redbridge Lane West, Wanstead, said his journey discovering the technique of beatboxing – making drum beats, rhythms and musical sounds using only his lips, tongue and voice – has not been plain sailing.

“At school, after I had decided I was going to pursue beatboxing professionally, and showing off my skills to other students, I was always getting called into detention for distracting other pupils while I was beatboxing.”

Conor will take to the stage for this year’s Vauxhall Beatbox Championships in Bristol on March 26.

He will pit his skills against other performers for a chance to win a new Vauxhall Corsa car.

“Last year I could not take part because I was 17,” he said. “This is my first beatboxing competition and I hope to create a storm with the judges.”

Conor will be performing at the O2 Academy Bristol at 8pm.