ATLANTIC CROSSING: Ashley Hurst practising for his sessions in Vancouver, watched by two admirers - his sisters Laura and Shelbi BOLTON'S youngest DJ will be wowing clubbers across the Atlantic after being offered work in Canada.

Ashley Hurst has been offered the chance to play three gigs in Vancouver, including an exclusive after-hours club party.

The 12-year-old from Great Lever will be accompanied by his mother, Sonia, on the trip of a lifetime which could lead to a larger tour of Canada next February.

Former Temple DJ Pat Drury, who lives in Leigh, has become Ashley's agent and set up the trip.

He said: "It will be the first time Ashley has played abroad and he is really looking forward to it.

"He usually plays at kiddies club nights, but all three dates in Canada will be late at night at proper clubs.

"I did wonder if he would be able to stay awake for the after hours appearance, but he's so excited I'm sure he will be fine.

"Ashley's DJing is coming on leaps and bounds all the time and, if he's this good at 12, you can only wonder what he will be like by the time he's 20."

Pat runs a DJ agency and is trying to organise a showcase tour of British talent in Canada next spring which will hopefully include Ashley.

The Thornleigh Salesian College pupil, who is known as DJ Ash, first featured in the BEN when he was given his own junior night at the Temple where he has regularly played to crowds of more than 1,000 young ravers.

He has also appeared on MTV, The Big Breakfast, at clubs all over the country and is hoping to release a CD.