BEING in the right place at the right time certainly paid off for four lucky South Lakeland lads who were chosen to appear in an hip-hop mega-star’s latest music video.

Mark Barnes-Davies, of Kendal, Seth Webster, of Oxenholme, and Alan Yurtin and Mike Barron, of Ambleside, were waiting around for crowds to die back after a top performance by Jay-Z at Alexandra Palace, London, when it was announced that the music director was looking for around 20 people to take part in filming the rapper’s video for his single Forever Young, featuring Mr Hudson.

“He’s my favourite artist. It was a once in a life time opportunity,” said Mr Barnes-Davies, 21, a former Kirkbie Kendal student who is studying sport at the University of Central Lancashire, Preston.

The four, who were each paid £20 for taking part in the video, spent until 2am the next morning filming in a park just down the road from the concert venue.

"We weren't sure whether to stay or not because there was a lot of waiting around and you weren't guaranteed to be in the video," said Mr Webster, 17, a sixth form pupil at Kirkbie Kendal.

"But we were so lucky to get asked to do it and then to be put together in the same scene. We were nervous at first but then we just went for it,” he added.

The group are seen talking and laughing while sitting on a sofa watching a football match on television.

“We’re in it quite a bit and you can tell it’s us," said Mr Barnes-Davies.

"My mates think it’s a bit crazy. I’m just a random person from Kendal. It’s pretty mad.”

"Everyone is going crazy about it," added Mr Webster. "People are asking for my autograph. I still can't believe it."