A NEW Halesowen charity shop is opening thanks to ‘a little help from their friends’ – former Beatle Paul McCartney and the real Eleanor Rigby.

The Sunbeams Music Trust shop, High Street, is being launched by Scouser Katie Bennett who sang on the stage of the legendary Cavern Club before moving to Halesowen 30 years ago.

And in a strange twist of fate Katie’s daughter Alice now lives in Eleanor Rigby’s old home and unearthed a treasure chest of artefacts that one day will be auctioned off.

Last year Paul McCartney revealed the inspiration behind the 1966 hit Eleanor Rigby was a real person when it emerged he had donated a hospital ledger containing her signature to Sunbeams Trust founder Annie Mawson in 1989, who auctioned it off for hundreds of thousands of pounds nine years later.

Katie said: “It is such a lovely story that Paul donated this historic piece of memorabilia to help children with autism overcome their problems through music, it was a massive boost to the Sunbeams Trust.”

And mother of four Katie has another reason to remember Paul McCartney fondly as she was a regular at the band’s favourite haunt.

She said: “I sang on the stage of The Cavern Club and it is amazing to look back and think I was part of history.

“I was 16 years old and used to sneak in every Thursday to see the Beatles.

“They were all great Liverpool lads and were just down to earth normal guys.

“It is amazing to think that all these years later I am opening the shop with the help of Paul McCartney giving our charity the signature of the real Eleanor Rigby whose house my daughter lives in.

“When she moved in she found Eleanor Rigby’s school books and other amazing pieces of history which are all safely in a bank vault now.”

The Sunbeams Music Charity helps autistic children and sufferers of Parkinsons and Alzheimer's through music and sensory therapy.

Katie added: “Sunbeams is doing some amazing work with children and our shop will be a real addition to Halesowen High Street.”

“We want it to be a focal point for the community where anyone can drop in for a chat, pick up a bargain and learn more about the great work we are doing.”

Katie is appealing for good condition second hand clothes and bric-a-brac items to sell in the Sunbeams Trust shop when it opens later this month.

For more information phone Katie on 0121 550 5503.