A businessman from Borehamwood has been presented with an award by Sir Paul McCartney.

Cliff Cooper, founder of Orange Amplification, has been made an honoured friend of the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA).

Orange Amplification, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, is a musical manufacturing company which has helped pioneer the music industry with its range of iconic amps for some of the biggest stars ever to grace the stage.

Artists who have used their guitars and amps include Madonna, Led Zeppelin, Oasis and Stevie Wonder.

Mr Cooper and Orange started working with LIPA more than 15 years ago when he purchased the Beatles Museum from Wembley PLC.

When he sold the museum to Liverpool Council it had more than doubled in size.

Speaking about the honour, Mr Cooper said: "I am extremely proud to receive this award, especially as it came as a complete surprise and from such a distinguished institution."

He joins a list of people honoured by LIPA that includes Sir Ian McKellen, Ozzy & Sharon Osborne, Bill Nighy, Ben Elton, Dawn French, Stephen Fry, and Rowan Atkinson.

Mark Featherstone-Witty, who co-founded LIPA with Sir Paul, said: "Cliff is our honoured friend. This rather special award is given to people who have been generous without a hint of expecting anything in return.

"So Cliff for this award you are an exemplar. Putting something back is part of your psyche. You are a hero and it is good to know there are people like you in the world and even better, associated with us."