SOUNDS more familiar in the Australian Outback could soon be echoing across the Yorkshire Dales in the wake of one man's arrival in the area.

John Ramji may never have been Down Under, but not only does he teach the skills needed to play the didgeridoo, he also makes them.

Today, he is waiting to hear from his first customers since moving from Surrey to Richmond to be closer to others from the Ascension movement, which practises a form of meditation.

"Instruction in the didgeridoo is something entirely separate, which I have taught myself,'' he said.

"I think the fact I've never heard the instrument played by an Aboriginal tribesman has allowed me to develop a style which is not based on mimicry of the traditional sounds, and is therefore something unique."

Mr Ramji's skills have already been used by London's St Paul's Music School, particularly to help pupils develop the circular breathing techniques required for some wind instruments.

"Playing the didgeridoo is something which anyone can learn to do to work off the stress of the day, and I hope to offer lessons to people of all abilities,'' he said.

For more details, telephone (01748) 822526.