POP star Ronan Keating led holidaymakers on a real merry-go-round as he went walkabout at Butlins.

The Boyzone singer was mobbed as he headed for a carousel after launching the holiday giant's bid to shed its old Hi-De-Hi image.

Security men formed a ring around Ronan as he posed for pictures on the traditional fairground roundabout which was quickly closed when staff heard he was on the way.

But the pop star refused all requests to sit astride one of the horses, much to disappointment of holidaymakers armed with their cameras.

Later Ronan tucked into a cardboard box meal of fish and chips as fans waited outside one of the Bognor centre's new restaurants for a glimpse of their idol.

Talent

Ronan's two-hour visit to Butlins started inside the multi-million pound indoor pavilion dubbed the "Baby Dome", which now dominates the skyline at Bognor.

Butlin's has spent more than £40 million upgrading its three centres as new-look Family Entertainment Resorts.

Ronan was chosen to launch the brand name because the company wants a new, youthful image.

The singer told the Argus: "It is not often I get the chance to open or launch things and I was pleased to come here."

Ronan said he liked the way the company was promoting young talent through its new school of excellence for the famous Redcoats which launched the showbusiness careers of stars including Michael Barrymore, Darren Day and Des O'Connor.

He added: "I was very lucky because I joined a successful band six years ago and I would like more young people to have the same opportunities.

"I think the facilities here are great.

"I have spent a bit of time with Disney in Europe and this is now coming up the same standard."

Asked if he would ever consider a Butlins holiday, he joked: "You never know if I get the time. I have a young son now and he sure he will want to come one day."

Ronan's visit sparked a major security operation inside the centre with staff patrolling the perimeter to stop fans climbing the fence.

Teenage fans waited outside the centre for hours but were left disappointed after Ronan left in a chaffeur-driven Mercedes through a security gate.

Concert

Last night he was back on stage with chart-topping Boyzone for a concert at Wembley featuring their new number one hit You Needed Me.

During his visit to Butlins, Ronan could not conceal his delight at denying ex-Spice girl Geri Halliwell the number one spot.

He said: "It has been a fantastic week for me and Boyzone. We beat Geri to the number one and I have had a great time today."

Butlin's managing director Tony Marshall said he was sure the new weatherproof entertainment pavilion would be a winner with families.

Intrigued

He said: "We will be giving our two million guests each year even more reasons to visit as well as attracting new customers who will be intrigued to see just what we have achieved."

Butlins has spent £23 million building skyline pavilions at Bognor, Minehead and Skegness.

The "domes" house new entertainment facilities, shops and restaurants.

The company's image includes a new Redcoats uniform and a ban on a comedians telling mother-in-law jokes.

But some old favourites have been brought back. Ronan walked behind Noddy and Big Ears as he walked into the pavilion to screams and applause.

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