Coventry's Skydome Arena has been chosen by a leading children's TV channel to host a star-studded event.

The Disney Channel has given the £7 million complex the go-ahead to stage the Midlands leg of the nationally renowned Kids Awards Roadshow on Wednesday 30 May.

The prestigious event will bring one of the nation's top pop acts, Atomic Kitten, to the city and will receive coverage on satellite and cable networks.

Over two million children across the country are expected to take part in voting for the awards, which include categories such as 'Band of the Year', 'Male/Female Artist of the Year', 'Best Dressed Celebrity' and 'Footballer of the Year'.

David and Victoria Beckham are amongst the nominees hoping to pick up Disney Channel Kids Awards crowns as well as Britney Spears and her partner Justin Timberlake, from the band *NSync.

Michael Petrouis, of the 4000-seat arena's owners Planet Ice, believes the event will put Coventry on the map with the UK's youngsters.

He said:

"It is absolutely fantastic news that the Skydome Arena has been chosen to host this roadshow. There are several top acts involved with the Disney Channel Kids Awards who will play at venues nationwide.

"Atomic Kitten are probably the biggest act to be on stage at any of the roadshows and I am delighted to say that they will be here in Coventry.

"They recently scored a massive hit with their single 'Whole Again' and their presence at the Skydome will attract youngsters from all over the Midlands and raise the profile of the city and the arena right across the country.

"We have been keen, from the outset, to make the venue attractive to all age groups and this event proves we have children at heart as well as adults.

"Daniel O'Donnell was here recently and he proved we could fill the arena when we bring in the top acts. This event is something completely different and will strike a chord with a totally different audience. Tickets have been selling very well."

There will be a host of activities on the day including dance auditions, interactive games and competitions with several other pop acts performing at the arena such as Blue, allSTARS and Reel, all of which have singles coming out later this year.

Children in Coventry can vote for the awards on special forms available in McDonald's restaurants or by logging on to the Disney website at www.disneychannel.co.uk.

Tickets for the Skydome Arena Roadshow are on sale and can be obtained by calling 08700 119 119.