IT may have been a long and winding road but hard-work paid off for three students who met a music legend at their graduation ceremony.

Three former Downfield Sixth Form students who graduated with first-class honours from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) met Sir Paul McCartney at the ceremony. 

The ceremony was attended by the universities' lead patron, Sir Paul McCartney, as well as LIPA companions Rowan Atkinson, Noddy Holder, Simon Armitage, Sonia, and many more.

Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin was also inducted as a LIPA companion, and sent in his acceptance speech via video as he was on tour in America.

Alex Howley, formerly of Marling School and Downfield Sixth Form, graduated with first class honours in BA (Hons) Music: Songwriting & Performance, as well as being awarded with the Avedis Zildjian Prize for Percussion from Elbow's founding drummer, Rick Jupp.

Stroud News and Journal: Alex Howley with Sir Paul McCartney

Immi Dash, formerly of Thomas Keble School and Downfield Sixth Form, also graduated with First Class Honours in BA (Hons) Music: Songwriting & Performance.

Stroud News and Journal: Immi Dash with Sir Paul McCartney

The day before the ceremony, Immi was given the opportunity to attend a 1-on-1 songwriting session with Sir Paul McCartney, where she was given the opportunity to show him some of her original music and get some pointers from the former Beatle.

Emily Spiers, formerly of Stroud High School and Downfield Sixth Form, graduated with First Class Honours in BA (Hons) Applied Theatre and Community Drama, and like her peers, was given a LIPA Pin Badge from Sir Paul at the graduation ceremony.

Stroud News and Journal: Emily Spiers with Sir Paul McCartney