National News
McCartney 'to play Jubilee concert'
10:10am Tuesday 7th February 2012
Sir Paul McCartney will reportedly honour the Queen by taking part in her Diamond Jubilee concert this summer.
The former Beatle will open and close the musical extravaganza being staged at Buckingham Palace in June, according to The Sun.
Securing the pop legend for the concert's bill is a major coup for singer Gary Barlow, who is helping to organise the event. The Take That star is expected to confirm Sir Paul's appearance at a press conference later on Tuesday when other acts will also be announced.
Stars reportedly taking part include Sir Tom Jones, Dame Shirley Bassey, Jessie J, boyband JLS and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.
The musical programme is likely to be wide-ranging with musicians from the Commonwealth also featured.
The concert will be televised, with tickets available to UK residents through a public ballot, and demand for the event is likely to be high.
The Queen celebrated her 60 years on the throne on Monday with a visit to communities close to her private Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
It was a day of contrasts, which began with her issuing a heartfelt Diamond Jubilee message, promising to renew her pledge to serve the nation and its people.
She later found herself facing a washing line of bloomers in a "Royal Laundry" as she toured Dersingham Infant and Nursery School.
The risque display - which included decorated underpants pinned to the ceiling - seemed to amuse the royal visitor.