PANTO season is upon us once again – oh no it isn't, oh, yes it is (this could go on for some time).

Twelve months ago I took my lovely god-daughter, Millie, to her first pantomime – Snow White at Bolton's own Albert Halls.

It was also the first time I'd been to one in more years than I can remember.

In fact, I think I was eight and on a bus trip to Manchester with my mum. A coach-load of hyperactive tots, all high on chocolate and e-numbers must have been more fun for her than I can possibly imagine.

But as it turns out, despite almost everything else changing beyond recognition in the intervening years it seems pantos have remained the same – and are absolutely brilliant.

Little Millie, being only three at the time, was perhaps a little young to fully enjoy it. Plus, she was absolutely terrified of the evil queen (and randomly the snowman decorations).

Don't get me wrong, she still giggled her head off, but some of the more interactive parts went completely over her head.

I, on the other hand, couldn't stop laughing and had a bloomin' lovely time.

So this year – and now Millie is a “big girl” of four – I couldn't wait to take her to see Jack And The Beanstalk.

It's so lovely to see the look of absolute wonder on the faces of the little ones packed into the Albert Halls.

From the first bars of the opening song, which comes complete with a nifty little light show, to the happy ever after ending, they are utterly enthralled by what's happening on the stage in front of them.

Millie, not a shy youngster, was going absolutely crazy trying to tell the cast about a ghost “behind them”, she was bouncing up and down during the “join in” song – although still hasn't grasped the concept of right and left, which almost caused an injury to the young lad sitting next to her - and killed herself laughing every time the dame and Stu Francis came on stage.

And there's also definitely something in it for the mums and dads – all I will say is Free Willy and Free Willy Two. If you've seen it, you'll know what I'm talking about.

This is good, old-fashioned family fun. Hilarious, heart-warming and one Christmas tradition I hope never dies out.