McCartney divorce back in court

Sir Paul arrived at the High Court wearing a dark suit
Sir Paul and Heather Mills McCartney have been at the High Court in London to try to reach a divorce settlement.

There was no news on any agreement at the end of proceedings. Reports suggested the key issue was likely to be the size of the settlement.

Sir Paul left court at about 1840 BST, giving his familar "V" sign as he went past photographers.

Lady McCartney, who had arrived in the morning with a blanket over her head, shielded her face as she left later.

Both had used judges' entrances to enter court on Thursday morning, avoiding contact with the media.

As the time approached for the beginning of the hearing, officials barricaded the entrance to court 16 with four office chairs.

Even the small spy hole in the door of the court had been covered to stop prying eyes.

Estimated fortune

Sir Paul and Lady McCartney, who have a three-year-old daughter named Beatrice, announced in May 2006 that they were ending their four-year marriage.

With the former Beatle's fortune estimated at £825m, it has the potential to be the most costly divorce in British legal history.

Press speculation has suggested the settlement could reach £60m, exceeding the record £48m businessman John Charman was told to pay his former wife in May this year.

In January, Lady McCartney's lawyers denied she had agreed to a financial settlement worth £32m.

The couple were last at the High Court in March for a preliminary hearing.

McCartney to play culture concert

Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney will top the bill for Liverpool's Capital of Culture celebrations.

The 65-year-old Liverpudlian has been unveiled to perform at a huge concert at Liverpool FC's Anfield stadium for the city's festivities in June.

Fellow Beatle Ringo Starr will lead the opening ceremony for the 2008 event in January at the new King's Dock Arena.

The 67-year-old drummer will appear with the Eurythmics' Dave Stewart and Ian Broudie from the Lightning Seeds.

Other famous Liverpudlians taking part in the culture events include comedian Ken Dodd and conductor Sir Simon Rattle.

Events which have already been confirmed are an exhibition of Gustav Klimt's work at Tate Liverpool and an opera based around the city's famous Adelphi Hotel.

Opening the launch event via a video message to the audience at Tate Liverpool on Thursday, Sir Paul said: "I'm very excited about Liverpool being the European Capital of Culture in 2008.

"We have a fantastic series of events which are sure to get you excited too. I'm very proud of the city and I look forward to welcoming you all and showing you a good time.

"It's going to be a great year."

Liverpool Culture Company chief executive Jason Harborow said: "We want to do Liverpool proud, we want to do Britain and Europe proud.

"We hope to leave a model for other cities as to how culture can make a difference to the way we live."

A revamped Capital of Culture board was announced earlier this month.

The board was reorganised following the cancellation of much of the Mathew Street Festival in August.

Brookside and Hollyoaks creator Phil Redmond is now the creative force behind next year's celebrations.