LOCAL youngsters took the first step from bedroom DJ to superclub stardom on Monday April 9 at Club Eros in Hereford.

They were all competing in the regional heats of the young UK DJ 2001 competition in front of a 'mad for it' crowd.

There were some serious 'block rockin' beats' on show including break beat, old skool hip-hop and techno.

Jon Crown, 16, who attends Aylestone School, impressed the judges the most with his seamless trance mixing and will now go through to the next round which will be held at the end of May.

He was able to prepare for the gig for the past month by playing out at the city's Booth Hall pub, which has been run by his father.

Jon said: "I was very nervous on the night - it was such a shock to go through."

The eventual winner will be able to give the superstar DJs a run for their money with a contract with Big Bang management, other goodies up for grabs include two PDX 2000 Vestax turntables and mixer.

Steve Markbride, managing director of Big Bang and promoter of the event, said: "Hereford kicked off the competition in great style - the eventual winner could literally be the star of the future."

Jon Crown mixing his way through to the next round 6