Sir Paul leads fame school ceremony

10:49pm Friday 25th July 2008

Sir Paul McCartney has led graduation celebrations at the "fame" school he set up in his home city.

Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (Lipa) opened in 1996 after a long campaign by the former Beatle.

Alongside the graduating students, the actor John Hurt CBE, Grammy Award winner Cathy Dennis and composer Nitin Sawhney were made honorary Companions of the Institute.

Other Companions this year included record producer Trevor Horn, who launched the career of Liverpool band Frankie Goes To Hollywood, music industry lawyer Ann Harrison and choreographer Lea Anderson.

Sir Paul, 66, who remains lead patron of Lipa, gave a speech to the graduates before they were presented with their certificates.

Lipa offers degree qualifications in acting, dance, music and theatre studies.

Lipa Companionships are awarded in recognition of contributions to the world of arts and entertainment.

A spokeswoman for institute said: "All Companions are also committed to sharing their expertise with Lipa students and most have provided masterclasses at the institute."