THE Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) drafted in Paver Smith to manage media activity around the visit of Sir Paul MCartney following its recent acquisition of the art college that was attended by John Lennon.

Sir Paul, who was also joined by LIPA alumni actress Liz White, spent the day with current students and took part in an exclusive Q and A session.

Media management was handled by PS Account Director Peter Lappin and Account Executive Natalie Verdin.

Natalie said: "Sir Paul was just a genuinely lovely guy - very down to earth and very friendly and interested in what was going on. It was a privilege to meet him."

Sir Paul and Liz, who most recently starred alongside Daniel Radcliffe in the critically acclaimed film The Woman in Black, were shown around the newly-acquired building by LIPA CEO Mark Featherstone-Witty.

LIPA has recently completed the purchase of the building, which is steeped in Beatles history and was formerly The Liverpool College of Art.

In the 1950s not only Lennon but also his future wife, Cynthia, and The Beatles’ original bassist, Stuart Sutcliffe, studied there.