Sermon spoiled by taxi firm

The source of the transmissions is a mystery

The congregation of a Plymouth church are finding they have two demands on their time - their minister and local taxi firms.

Circuit minister Les Goulden was giving his Sunday sermon at Halcyon Methodist Church when a garbled voice came over the speakers.

"It came as quite a shock," he said.

"It took a few moments before we realised they were taking us for a ride."

If you get a 10-4, a least they agree with what you are saying

Minister Stuart Innalls

The church blames radio interference from a new broadcast system for the hard of hearing.

Halcyon's minister Stuart Innalls saw the funny side of the ungodly interruption.

He said: "It can add humour to what you are saying because you can make a point of picking it up.

"If you get a 10-4, a least they agree with what you are saying."

Halcyon Church: Taken for a ride

The church is still trying to track down the source of heavenly voices from a nearby church which also shares the same radio frequency.

Last Sunday the end of the service was interrupted by the sounds of the hymn Colour The Day.

Mr Innalls said: "It was quite nice, so we sang along.

"It also happened to be the church's theme tune or our neighbourhood centre, so it was quite appropriate."

Churchgoer Jenny Knowles and other parishioners have tried to track down the mystery voices. but to no avail.

She said: "We don't mind, but we would like to know which of the other churches is coming through to us - and whether we are going through to them."