Britney Spears at the MEN Arena, Manchester

WITH her famous blend of innocence wrapped in provocativeness, the phenomenon that is Britney Spears finally landed in Manchester last night, in the most spectacular way possible.

The all-American girl lapped up the attention of tens of thousands of children and adults (who were only there with their children, of course) during her lavish 90 minute set.

Flanked by a team of talented dancers, Britney, who is still only 19 years old, worked her way through her impressive catalogue of hits while pulling off one of the most complex dance routines imaginable.

Opening with a bang with her smash hit 'Crazy', Britney immediately had her audience on their feet.

But as soon as she had stepped up the tempo, she slowed it down again, with ballads like Sometimes and Born to Make You Happy.

Even the tracks off the new album, Oops I Did it Again, were well received as Britney turned acrobat and flew above the stage.

She returned to the slow music with 'Lucky,' on a stage transformed to look like her bedroom, before belting out 'From the Bottom of My Broken Heart,' which has classic written all over it.

She saved the best for last -- Hit Me Baby One More Time, which came complete with fireworks, paper falling on the audience and, yes, the school uniform. Anyone going tonight should make a point of hanging on to the encore.

A third concert, to be held next month, has been announced. Alternatively, you can check out a Britney tribute act at the Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre tonight from 7pm.

CLIVE LAWRENCE