People in the news.

SIR PAUL HONORS THE BANGLES

Sir Paul McCartney has awarded `80s girl rockers The Bangles "rock `n' roll diplomas" from his Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, reports Ananova.com.

The former Beatle opened the institute, inspired by New York's School of Performing Arts, in 1996 in the grounds of his old school.

Each year at graduation, LIPA inducts celebrity "companions," the equivalent of an honorary degree. The current list of companions includes Joan Armatrading, Malcolm McLaren, Barbara Dickson and Andy McCluskey.

A statement by The Bangles said: "We are honored and grateful to accept Companionship from this historic institution, and as longtime Beatles fans, are absolutely delighted at the involvement of Sir Paul, and to receive our rock `n' roll `diplomas' from the great man himself."

The Bangles were formed in the early 1980s in Los Angeles and are made up of Susanna Hoffs, sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson and Michael Steele. They were the most successful all-female band in chart history when they split up in 1989.

They regrouped in 2000 and their latest album "Doll Revolution" was released in 2003. Their hit single "Eternal Flame" remained in the charts for 18 weeks in 1989 and was recently covered by Liverpool-based girl band Atomic Kitten. Other hits include "Manic Monday," "Walk Like an Egyptian" and "Going Down to Liverpool."