Sir Paul McCartney has offered a little help to the friends of the West Pier.

The former Beatle, who wrote a paean to the windswept desolation of the Mull Of Kintyre, has fallen in love with Brighton's favourite storm-lashed icon.

Sir Paul, who has a home on Hove seafront, stopped to chat with volunteers manning the information kiosk during a stroll along the promenade with wife Heather.

The famous couple were welcomed by an assistant from the Brighton West Pier Trust, which owns the Grade I listed building.

General manager Rachel Clark said: "They were very pleasant and supportive and said they would try to help us.

"Their message to us was well done for not being bullied into giving up."

The trust and developers St Modwen won planning permission from Brighton and Hove City Council in February to restore the Victorian pier and to put up controversial shoreline leisure buildings to help finance it.

But there was strong opposition from the group Save Our Seafront.

Sir Paul, who also has a home in Peasmarsh, near Rye, has been sparing in the past about supporting local causes although he did play a part in the campaign to save the hospital in Rye.

Mrs Clark said: "His support is great. I shall send them both a form asking if they want to become members of the trust."

The trust has previously received support from other showbiz figures ranging from Spike Milligan to Lord Attenborough.

But the opportunity to recruit Sir Paul to the cause was too good to miss.

Mrs Clark said: "You don't often bump into a living legend."

The trust will not be calling on Sir Paul to donate cash directly to the restoration efforts despite his £760 million fortune.

However, it is hoped Britain's wealthiest musician might be persuaded to offer his support to a fund-raising ball.

Despite two collapses and a dramatic fire in the past few months, campaigners insist restoration of the once-grand structure is still on course.

Trust chief executive Dr Geoff Lockwood said: "We and St Modwen are pressing ahead on the detail of the restoration plans.

"All is on schedule for the main works to start in early 2004."