SIR PAUL McCartney is to be invited to Totton College to attend the premiere of a home-grown musical set in the Beatles' heyday.

The rock-and-roll comedy, called Letters from a Beatles Fan, has been written by Brian Price, Head of Performing Arts at the college in Water Lane.

The show's cast of 20 students plan to write to the former Beatle, asking him to add that authentic Liverpudlian stamp of approval to their efforts.

They have studied the Beatles' musical influences and traced the group's steps on a trip to the new European capital of culture - Liverpool - where they hung out at the Cavern Club and toured the Beatles Story museum.

Brian's musical charts the life and loves of a real 'Liverbird' during the Beatles' era and will be performed on July 9, 10 and 11.

Tickets are available from the college or by calling 023 8087 4874.

His work in writing the words and music has been something of a labour of love, as learning about the Beatles was a requirement of the performance studies module for the A-level course.

Mr Price said: "I'm 53 and I was brought up on the Beatles."

A guitarist, pianist and singer who was on television's New Faces, and performed in a support act at a Freddie and the Dreamers concert, he said: "I still love their music and so do the students.

"They have shown tremendous enthusiasm for the musical and they love dressing up in Sixties garb."

Pupils also interviewed Liverpudlians about the legendary pop group, and showed considerable interest in a trip to the old haunts of the Beatles, including their homes, schools and favourite pubs.