THIS was a night when the years simply rolled back and everyone got into the party spirit.

Three original members of Eurovision winning Bucks Fizz - Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston - were joined by Bobby McVay for a night of hits and laughs that really had that feelgood factor.

Be honest, when was the last time you went to a gig that was pure fun from start to finish?

I've been to many shows this year and I've got to say for sheer enjoyment, this was well up the list.

The cool kids in the Eighties would never admit to liking Bucks Fizz and 30 years on, news that I was heading to see them in Blackburn was greeted with some scorn in the office.

Sorry folks, but that was your loss.

Sure there was a liberal helping of cheese on much of the proceedings, but strangely, happily and at times wonderfully it all worked.

Everyone remembers the Fizz for their skirt-ripping exploits in winning Eurovision.

What we tend to forget is the sheer number of hits they went on to make and the vocal dexterity needed to pull off these perfect pop songs.

The addition of new boy Bobby McVay - himself a seasoned Eurovision campaigner with Sweet Dreams - means the group can once more do the four-part arrangements of songs like New Beginning or Now Those Days are Gone full justice.

Purist may decry the backing tracks but vocally this was a great show.

With videos of yesteryear showing on the big screen behind them, the quartet were clearly having as much fun as the audience - gently teasing each other, doing all the dance routines and generally getting everyone on their feet.

Stand out moments included a version of Heart of Stone, a minor Bucks Fizz hit which was later taken on by Cher, the number ones My Camera Never Lies and Land of Make Believe and an Eighties' medley.

This was something which summed up the night perfectly. On paper it should not have worked - members of Bucks Fizz rattling through some of the Eighties' biggest songs. But we sang along with them to every word and all clapped in time to Queen's Radio Gaga - you had to be there to fully appreciate it.

So thanks Cheryl, Mike and Jay and the new boy! It was a blast.