DJ Tim Ranson is well on his way to fame and fortune after winning Exeter's Battle of the Decks competition.

After a couple of years playing in local clubs, the former Okehampton College student is ready to take on the world.

Bristol, London, Europe all beckon for Tim who has worked on building sites and in factories to earn the cash to buy expensive mixing equipment.

His friends all had faith in him but it was winning the competition that has finally given the 20-year-old from Merton confidence in his own ability.

Tim was ecstatic to come through the six heats competing against 24 other DJs and then to win in a tough final at the Cavern Club in Exeter.

He said the support of his friends at that last hurdle was a great boost.

'There was a group of about 20 all cheering away and screaming for me and it really helped,' he said.

'I was the last to play and I was a bit nervous at the time but it all seemed to go right.

'When I found out I had won I could not believe it. I was on a real high for the next two days,'

Tim, who has a GNVQ in leisure and tourism, said that DJ-ing was his passion and his aim was now to take it as far as he could.

'I think I got into DJ-ing at the right time. There are a lot of DJs around now but I think winning this competition has been my break and I have got to use it. My plan now is to literally bombard clubs with my tapes.'

Tim's pounding techno set won him a top of the range mixer plus £100 cash to help him pursue his dream to be one of Europe's top DJs.

'I have always been interested in music,' he said. 'At clubs I have always respected the DJ and I just thought I would like to be up there instead of down on the dance floor.

'Next year I would like to travel across Europe playing in clubs.'

Tim, who started out playing in the Burston Inn at Bow three years ago, said the skill in DJ-ing was 'hearing and listening to your records and putting them together in a pattern which raises the tempo of the dance floor'.

If anyone wants to find out more about this hot new talent they should call Tim on 01805 603325.