Sunday, 22 December, 2002, 12:12 GMT

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has been granted his own coat of arms.

The singer has used the crest to pay homage to his Liverpudlian background and musical career, according to The Sunday Times.

Granted by the College of Arms, the honour features a Liver Bird, highlighting his Liverpool connections. [The mythical liver bird sits atop the Victorian Liverpool Town Hall.]

The bird is holding a guitar in its claw.

Sir Paul also makes reference to his fellow Beatles - John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

The shield contains four curved emblems, resembling beetles' backs.

For the motto, he uses the title of an oratorio he composed - Ecce Cor Meum, which is Latin for Behold My Heart.

-- Anonymous, December 22, 2002