A TALENTED musician has secured a place at a prestigious performing arts school that is backed by The Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney.

Drummer Elliot Chapman, from Oswaldtwislte, beat 1,500 rivals for one of 55 places at the famed Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, LIPA, for September.

The 21-year-old, who has been playing the drums for almost a decade, impressed judges at his auditions with his versions of Moon Dance by Michael Bublé and Picking Up The Pieces by Paolo Nutini.

The former Blackburn College student will be studying a degree in music and is hoping to become a session musician or teach music.

Elliot is the first Blackburn College student to make it past the performing arts school’s gruelling audition and interview process.

LIPA offers education and training for the performing arts and many of its graduates have gone to have successful careers in the entertainment and music industry.

Now Elliot, who, since leaving the college in Summer 2011, teaches drums to pupils at Our Lady and St Johns Catholic Arts College, Blackburn, is aiming to follow in their footsteps.

He said: “I’m nervous but excited. Getting a place at LIPA is a huge achievement for me. I was really happy when I passed the audition.

“I was overwhelmed when I got the email which said I had got in.

“I’d love to earn money as a musician when I graduate, either in a band or as a session musician.

“I’ve already played in a couple of bands and tried different types of music, gigging has taken me across the north west and I can’t wait to go further in the future.”

Course tutor Dave Ellis, from Blackburn College, said: “We couldn’t be happier for Elliot.

"He demonstrated an exceptional talent during his time at College and we are really proud of what he has achieved. We wish him every success at LIPA and for the future.”