Industry praise for Sir Paul.

FORMER Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has been praised on a Government web site for helping unemployed Merseysiders find jobs in the music industry.

Sir Paul, who helped found the Liverpol Institute for Performing Arts (Lipa), has returned to the institute a number of times to provide master classes for young people taking a New Deal for Musicians course.

Lipa has now been cited on an official web site as one of the country's top centres for delivering New Deal schemes in a partnership with Jobcentre Plus.

Mel C is also praised in the Adult Learning Inspectorate web site for helping young people gain a foothold in the music business.

Ged McKenna, director of flexible learning at Lip a , said he was delighted with the scheme's success.

He said: ``There's no shortage of young, talented people in the North West and we're so pleased to be able to offer specialist training and advice to people who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

``Our aim is to help young musicians make the first important steps in to a highly competitive industry.''

Teaching for the six- month course is based around a mentorship system where students receive one to one support from visiting singers and songwriters. China Crisis lead singer Eddie Lundon, who is one mentor, said:``It's so fantastic to help students build up on their abilities.''