A BUDDING young DJ is celebrating after winning his 'big break' in a national competition.

Jamie Macdonald, from Hallow, was picked in the Vodafone Future Breakers talent search and, on Sunday night, launched his fledgling music career on national radio.

The 19-year-old house DJ was announced as the winner during Sunday's Big Top 40 chart show, and now features on the programme's website.

As part of his prize, the unsigned artist was given the chance to record and produce his own mix with industry professionals, and will have his tracks played across the Big Top 40.

Mr Macdonald, whose sister encouraged him to enter the competition, said: "It was just a bit surreal - it was crazy. I had to keep it under wraps for a week, it has been so difficult."

The former Kings School student has spent the last three years playing in clubs across Worcester, most recently taking on Freshers’ Week gigs in the city, Coventry and London.

He said: "I think the best thing about winning this competition is the recognition that now comes with it, and it’s what I’ve worked so hard for.

"Recording my mix live in the studio was such a fantastic experience, especially working with some brilliant industry professionals.

"Hopefully I can use the Vodafone Future Breaker title to move forward and start to play across the rest of the UK and Europe."

Mr Macdonald is juggling his burgeoning DJ career alongside an events management degree at Coventry University.

But he has been interested in music from a young age, starting in musical theatre before turning his hand to DJing.

He is inspired by the likes of fellow DJ Martin Garrix and top DJ producer Free Jak.

The Future Breakers initiative is run in partnership with Global Radio and is continuing its search for the unsigned talent from across the UK.

For more information visit promo.bigtop40.com/breakers/home