FOR parents of young children who are early risers, Channel Five’s Milkshake! is a lifesaver.

While parents are wiping the sleep out of their eyes and getting their first caffeine fix of the day, their little darlings are enjoying the likes of The Little Princess, Fifi and the Flowertots and Bananas in Pyjamas.

And now little ones had the chance to see their TV heroes in the flesh when Milkshake! Live stopped off in Bournemouth yesterday afternoon.

With an average age of three years old, the auditorium of the Pavilion was jammed packed with slightly more awake parents and hundreds of excitable youngsters desperate to see their animated favourites.

And the larger than life characters, which included Roary the Racing Car with Big Chris, Noddy and Tessie Bear and B1 and B2, from Bananas in Pyjamas didn’t disappoint as they put on an energetic show.

Hosted by Milkshake! presenters Amy and Olivia, the show was a colourful burst of energy which the tiny audience loved. With catchy songs complete with easy to follow actions, the children were up dancing.

It was my two-year-old son’s first taste of the theatre and he sat still for the entire show, completely mesmerised by the on-stage antics.

This show is recommended for younger children and arrives on the south coast again in June with a show at the Kings Theatre, Southsea.