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Sgt Ian Edwards's impressive performances in town centres around the country, backed by colleagues from the Band of Grenadier Guards, have helped treble the number of new recruits to the regiment. Tailoring his repertoire to his audience, Sgt Edwards, 34, sets up his karaoke machine and performs songs by artists ranging from Tom Jones to Westlife.

Last year he helped attract 276 recruits for the Grenadiers, the second highest for any regiment in the country, and staff at the Army Careers centre in Manchester, where he is based, are urging others to adopt his unique technique.

Sgt Malc Mayoh, of the Grenadiers, said: "The Army needs to recruit 15,000 people a year. With a few more like him it would take no time at all."

Sgt Edwards, who turned down a place at drama school to pursue a career in the Army, said he relished the chance to lend his voice to the service's campaign. "Young girls are the first to jump up and have a go on the karaoke," he said. "It creates a bit of a party atmosphere and when local lads see a crowd of girls gathering, they go over to check out what's going on. We then chat to the lads and ask if they've ever considered a career in the Army. Many of them have signed up as a result."

He said that Grenadier Guards were usually seen outside Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London looking very serious as they went about their work. "Hopefully, this shows people that we've got a sense of humour and don't take ourselves too seriously," he added.

Sgt Mayoh said the "karaoke king" could have had a successful career as a professional singer. "He has a phenomenal voice and the public love him," he said.

Tomorrow Sgt Edwards will be recruiting with the Grenadiers in Oxford city centre and on Tuesday in Northampton.