FORMER Wales body building champion Derek Hayward has swapped his celebrity lifestyle for a quieter existence in Okehampton as the town's new Baptist minister.

In fact, the Rev Hayward only became a Christian four years ago but the 52-year-old says he has finally found his place in society.

The minister, whose former life included charity bungee jumps with Gladiator Saracen and opening prestigious events in his home county of Pembrokeshire, recently completed three years' ministerial training at the South Wales Baptist College before being ordained at Bethel Chapel in Pembroke Dock.

Earlier in the year he also graduated from Cardiff University with an Honours Degree in theology.

He said his real desire was to get involved in the community and help people.

'I have been described as an evangelist and I believe the church to be in partnership with the community as being a place "inclusive" of all people,' he said.

'I would like to get rid of the image that the church exists as some kind of religious social club with its own preoccupation separate from society.'

Mr Hayward said his focus would be on building real relationships, both within the church and community.

Although born in the South East, the new minister spent 35 years in Wales where he was also a senior executive for both the Western Telegraph and the South Wales Guardian.

He held ten body building titles including 'Mr Wales' and 'Mr Cardiff' in 1996 and was a racing cyclist for the Pembrokeshire Velos.

Although his life was interesting he said he never felt a sense of belonging until he became a Christian.

'I have always been an ambitious person in my work and sporting career but I was always trying to seek my place in society,' he said. 'Despite my success something was missing and that gap was not filled until I came into the church.'

Mr Hayward said because his father was in the armed services he spent 15 years of his life abroad moving around central Europe and the Middle East.

'I did not have any real roots and I believe that was where my feelings stemmed from,' he said. 'I can understand young people who turn to drugs and alcohol through insecurities and a sense of worthlessness because I can see in them what I saw in myself.'

The new minister added he believed young people would be able to relate to him because of his experiences.

'I am not a stuffy old vicar — just an ordinary person who does not wear clerical dress unless I am on official business and I want people to know me as Derek,' he said.

'Okehampton is like Pembroke in many ways and my wife and I think it is a great place — we are feeling very much at home.'

Mr Hayward will be inducted at Okehampton Baptist Church on October 28.