THEY saved the best until last.

Popstars the Showcase was the final performance of the Bolton Arts Festival and hundreds of people showed their support at the Albert Halls.

Youngsters aged between 11 and 16 from APA Stageworks, based at Harper Green School, Farnworth, put together dozens of songs and dance routines.

And four performers stood out for me.

Anna Calvert knocked the socks off the audience with These Words Are My Own -- and she's beautiful too! Even Simon Cowell would have been impressed.

Next was Stacey Taylor who put in an excellent performance of Jamelia's See It In a Boy's Eyes. Her performance was rounded off with backing dancers dressed as army cadets, just like the video from the hit song.

Hayley Scanlon belted out Breathe Easy and Ashley Birchall has signs of being a star, and a cute one at that, as he became Justin Timberlake and then Enrique Iglesias. The show was so packed full of song and dance routines, it amazed me how the youngsters remembered everything. But they did, albeit some microphone problems which were professionally overcome.

The Popstars showcase was what the Bolton Arts Festival deserved; a big audience, people of all ages enjoying themselves and talented performers.