SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY - MCCARTNEY BACKS EUROVISION HOPEFULS

Rock veteran SIR PAUL McCARTNEY is vowing to cheer on Britain's EUROVISION SONG CONTEST entry - because the song was written by the head of his music college.

Pop duo JEMINI are carrying Britain's hopes for victory on Saturday (24MAY03) with a song written by MARTIN ISHERWOOD, head at the LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS (LIPA) - which is dubbed the YESTERDAY legend's "fame school".

And students from the college will provide backing vocals for the track CRY BABY at the competition in Riga, Latvia.

Sir Paul has sent a message to the Liverpudlian contingent, which will be broadcast on British TV tomorrow (23MAR03).

He says, "Best of luck, we'll all be rooting for you and listening to TERRY WOGAN (Eurovision host) commenting on you.

"Particular congratulations to LIPA students, LYNDSEY, EMMA and NICOLA for being the backing singers. Go Martin, go Jemini and Cry Baby."

Controversial Russian duo TATU are favourites to win the contest.