Radio star Spoony has the girls in a spin

Jul 10 2007 By Tony Collins, Birmingham Mail

FORMER Radio One presenter DJ Spoony has been passing on his talents in the hope of introducing a generation of girls to the turntable.

The DJ was at the all girls Swanshurst School, in Brook Lane, Billesley, to launch the first work module of its kind for schools.

The pioneering Make Me a DJ programme will see the skills of DJing introduced to music lessons across secondary schools in Birmingham for the first time.

More than 700 schools have already signed up to the scheme, which is aimed at 12-16 year olds.

It aims to help teachers give music lessons a fresh approach by replacing traditional school instruments such as the recorder with a modern "instrument" that pupils can relate to.

Pioneer, the leader in professional DJ equipment, has joined forces with DJ Spoony and the National Schools Partnership to raise awareness of how working with decks can help get more children interested in music.

DJ Spoony said during his visit to Swanshurst: "It's just a fantastic opportunity to give young people an alternative way to get into the music industry."