Young music-lovers are trying their hands at DJing, by getting behind the record decks.

Gospel DJ Gary Smith from Bicester, is sharing his techniques with youngsters at a weekly after-school workshop.

The six-week course at Glory Farm School is aimed at promoting gospel music, and encouraging young people to learn new skills. The first class, last Wednesday, saw 13 boys and girls attending the 90-minute session. BBC Radio Oxford presenter Mr Smith, who has played in front of 15,000 revellers at Reading Carnival in his time, said: "The students wanted to know how to scratch and beat match.

"More girls have joined than I was expecting and they were really good. They had excellent coordination, which is very promising.

"There is a shortage of women DJs in the industry and it's good to see some in the making."

His course, which finishes on April 2, is being sponsored by Bicester Children's University, which involves 18 local schools.