ONE of the most popular slices of entertainment laid on at Weymouth Pavilion this summer will be a repeat season by Here and Now, a group of the resort's most talented youngsters.

Last year the band performed each week at the venue and their shows proved so popular with a family audience that they have been invited back to share the stage with the likes of Jim Davidson, Dave Benson Phillips, Joe Pasquale and Cannon and Ball.

Here and Now were originally formed as a Steps tribute band and won hundreds of fans by belting out hits by the pop celebrities - who they bear an uncanny likeness to.

This year they have decided to broaden their repertoire and include songs by a wide variety of acts including Liberty X, Sugababes, Atomic Kitten, S Club 7 and boy band Blue. They have also introduced a range of solo spots by the likes of Britney Spears, Kylie and Gareth Gates to give band members the chance to shine on their own.

This new move is also reflected in how the group dresses on stage. There are four costume changes, three of which see them dressed in similar gear and one where they wear their own clothes.

Here and Now member Chloe Brooks explained: "This year the emphasis is more on individuality. We have our own identity as a group and we thought it was time to have our own slots.

"So although we do the main songs, there are also solo spots and the boys do a tribute to Blue, which all the girls love!"

She added: "The other popular part of the show is a Fame and Bee Gees spot which really gets the mums and dads going."

Here and Now, which is made up of Chloe, Hannah Soulsby, Hannah Taylor, Matt Beeson and James Rees, are managed by John and Janet Stockley.

As well as the weekly show at the Pavilion, the band releases its first single - the infinitely catchy Got it Goin' On - this month and also has a thriving fan club, which was formed in march this year.

It all seems to be going very well and all the band needs now is an agent to give them wider exposure.

Janet explained: "We keep being told that people are very interested in the band and then nothing comes of it, which is very frustrating for us all.

"I think it's fair to say that the kids have reached a very high standard locally and there is nothing in the area to match what they do."

In between starring on the main Pavilion stage, Here and Now can also be seen occasionally in the venue's Ocean Room on various nights and before the summer holidays, they also spent time touring primary schools in the area and performing for the children.

"We love doing show for the children," said Hannah Soulsby, "and they love it too.

"It was weird. We did a show at the Pavilion earlier this year and there were all these german students there and I am convinced they thought we were the 'real' Steps, which was a bit strange!"

She added: "We are delighted to be invited back for the summer show at the Pavilion. It's a bit scary because we've had to put a whole new act together but we're there now and I think it will be great."

You can catch Here and Now at Weymouth Pavilion every Friday at 7.30pm from tomorrow until Friday, August 29. Tickets for the show are ££7.50 plus family rates and you can also buy souvenir programmes and copies of Got it Goin' On in the foyer.

For full details of this and all Pavilion shows, call the box office on 01305 783225.