THERE'S no business like children's show business. And at the Children's Tower Ballet this summer season there's no surer way of grabbing an audience's attention and heartstrings than with a rising star, a cute kid and a 24-carat gold cast.

It's actually more of a variety show than the name suggests, but after 100 years of performances from the young and the beautiful the original name has stuck if not the content.

And this year Tower visitors have been treated to a daily dose of musical masterpieces and modern hits, thanks to the cast of youngsters pictured here.

A nod to popularity comes from adding Steps chart hits and Latin lovely Ricky Martin to the running order complete with sporty choreography.

But it's the big numbers that are the best here and where the production and choreography of Ruth and Joan Langley of Blackpool's Langley Dance Centre really shines -- in particular the taptastic Me And My Fabulous Feet and Lullaby Of Broadway. Outstanding is Andrew Chadwick, whose resume already shows huge star promise from memorable lead roles with Blackpool Children's Pantomime. Here he dances like a dream and sings like an angel and it's only a matter of time before he's snapped up by musical directors far and wide. Remember you saw him here first!

And of course the teeny tiny Jodie Waine steals hearts around the room as a lovely Little Miss Shy in Here Come The Mister Men complete with fabulous foam outfits.

Ballet eventually comes in to it too, with an enchanting Trio Espanol from Katie Southern, Holly Hudson and Stephanie Spiteri.

This year's Children's Tower Ballet is a glittering extravaganza and a fitting tribute to an important tradition. It's nice too to see a bit of good old glitz and glamour rather than just regurgitating chart hits.

The Children's Tower Ballet runs daily from October 21-28. The show is included in the Tower's admission price of £5 for children and senior citizens and £10 for adults. Call Blackpool Live on (01253) 292029 for further details.