Ex-Liverpool student gets Beatle offer

Ringo Starr loves Liam Lynch's debut single

A former Liverpool student whose debut single has made it into the top 10 in the UK has had a collaboration offer from Ringo Starr.

The ex-Beatles drummer loves Liam Lynch's single, United States of Whatever, so much he phoned him directly.

Mr Lynch, who was one of the first students to study at Sir Paul McCartney's Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), said he "fell out of his chair" when he heard Mr Starr's voice.

Originally from Nashville, in the United States, Mr Lynch has already been a TV producer, writer and director, following his studies in the city.

Strong position

He told BBC Radio Merseyside of the offer from the ex-Beatle: "He loved the song and that's why he got in touch.

"He had no idea I've lived in Liverpool. It was really funny, he had no clue as to any of that."

Some of the current students at LIPA said Mr Lynch's success with the single - currently number 10 in the UK Top 40 - gives them encouragement.

One said: "It proves to the outside world that you really can get something out of [studying at LIPA]."

Arthur Bernstein, who taught Mr Lynch music at LIPA, said his success since graduating puts him in a strong position.

"For someone like him, he's got a blank sheet of paper.

"He can do practically anything he sets his mind to."