A GIRL from Christchurch has won a 'coveted' prize at a DJ event.

Lola Phillips, 11, impressed a panel of judges with her DJ set at this year's Street in The Park event in Dorchester.

She won two categories for the Up and Coming DJ awards.

Lola started developing her DJ set nearly 18 months ago and has cut her teeth in the battle of the band events at Twynham School.

Lola's mother, Louise Phillips, said: "I am so proud of Lola. She has always loved music and listening to lots of different bands.

"Playing music is a massive part of her life. She is also really interested in the technical aspects of being a DJ and has honed her skills brilliantly."

The winners of the Up & Coming DJ Competition were announced at Street in the Park on May 11.  Ten DJs battled it out with their personal mixes.

When finding out about her win, Lola said: "'I'm so excited. Music, for me, is about feeling good. It took me three days to choose the tracks for this event.

"I'm so pleased with the outcome."

Street in the Park is an annual event at Dorchester Borough Gardens, which showcases new and established DJs as part of the Up & Coming DJ Competition.

Street in the Park is produced by Activate Performing Arts in partnership with Weymouth College and Dorchester Town Council and is supported by local businesses.

It was funded by Arts Council England, Dorset Council and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Michaela Shaw, event manager and producer at Activate Performing Arts commented on the importance of Street in the Park for local people, saying: "This event is about community engagement, supporting inclusivity and creating opportunities for young people."

This year's judges were Isaiah Dreads (music artist), Andy Cleeton (Mixmag Up & Coming DJ Winner and ex-Hacienda resident DJ), Derek Greenacre (AIR 107.2fm), Emma Scott (Anonymous Festival) and Kate Wood (executive and artistic director at Activate Performing Arts).

The judges unanimously selected Lola as a winner. Derek Greenacre, aka DJ Gadget, on AIR 107.2fm, said: "We had incredible talent this year, and Lola really stood out.

"The other winners, Champz, Taiko, Leon A and Bean, were incredible too!"