HEY, teenage DJs, put a record on! More than 70 pupils from six Blackpool high schools have been hitting the decks to get a ground-breaking DJ training project off the ground.

Students from Palatine, Highfield, Bispham, St Mary's, St George's and Beacon Hill high schools are taking part in Blackpool's ArtXtra DJ training programme to learn skills such as how to run discos and advanced radio DJ skills.

The project, co-ordinated by Blackpool Youth Service, began last week with taster sessions in schools and a residential weekend for Highfield High School and Beacon Hill pupils at Borwick Hall, Carnforth.

And youngsters who complete the training will get the chance to broadcast on the internet and live in Blackpool using special broadcasting licences granted to ArtXtra.

The DJ project is part of a wider three year ArtXtra scheme in Blackpool which aims to provide more than 160,000 extra hours of arts activities in 17 of the borough's schools.

More than 7500 pupils are expected to be involved in activities such as dance, creative arts, youth theatre and music.

Richard Sharples, ArtXtra project manager, said: "The project is a fantastic way for young people to learn more about making music.

"Artists such as Fat Boy Slim have shown that there is a real demand for high quality DJs.

"By taking part in this training young people in Blackpool will be taking their first steps towards becoming the DJs of the future."