Tobago Church leaders are campaigning to ban Sir Elton John from their island because they are concerned that he will turn locals gay.

The 'I'm Still Standing' star, who celebrates his 60th birthday next week, is due to headline the Plymouth Jazz Festival on the Caribbean island in April.

Philip Isaac, the Archdeacon of Trinidad and Tobago, said of John: "His visit to the island can open the country to be tempted towards pursuing his lifestyle. The artist is one of god’s children and while his lifestyle is questionable he needs to be ministered unto."

However, the festival's organiser Anthony Maharaj insisted that Tobago should be "honoured" to welcome the singer, as he is a "man who was knighted by the Queen (and) was highly complimented by Desmond Tutu.”