Following months of furious mixing and scratching four of the region's DJs have made it through to the final round of a competition which could see them bringing a bit of northern delight to some clubs in the Big Apple.

Nearly 12 months ago Kendal's club/bar/eatery Tinto came up with an innovative way of serving up some good tunes for the delectation of their weekend crew.

Manager Dan Hodge got Morgan Spiced Rum on board to help sponsor a DJ competition with a fab double-whammy prize consisting of a DJ residency and a trip to New York.

Dan explains: "Every week we have had a different DJ playing.

They have had to come in the weekend before to have a look and see the crowd and give them what they thought they would want to hear.

"It has been hard work to get to this stage., but on the whole it has gone really well."

Around 50 DJs have taken their turn on the club's decks, a booth which is slotted way up high near the ceiling.

Each DJ was given responsibility for marketing themselves coming up with a name and concept for their night.

Dan says:"I think we have achieved what we set out to do - to get DJ-ing recognised as a form of music art.

To us that is important.

What these guys do I couldn't do."

The four finalists are now gearing up for their final challenge

Kendal's Dan Newby is first up on September 7 with Funk Deluxe - a 'nite' of 'phat' beats and funky bass lines.

Next up, on September 14 is DJ Luke Channing, 23, with Get Funk'd - chunky Latin grooves mixed with a slab of soulful house and a large side order of French fried funk.

DJ Lucianno Galati of Kendal is next on the decks on September 21 with Phenomenal - the sound of the Balerics.

Finally, on September 28, Jay Stephenson will be showing them how it is done with Soul heaven - uplifting house and US Garage.