FORMER Bootleg Beatle Paul Cooper has launched a business venture recording personalised songs for special occasions.

He and business partner Johnny Larsen set up Tunepig – a play on Moonpig, which allows people to customise greetings cards – after Paul re-recorded a version of Liverpool FC’s You’ll Never Walk Alone anthem as a friend’s birthday present, with the Kop choir faded in on the track by studio technician Johnny.

Paul said: “My friend and his family became very emotional, and on the train home I thought it made such a big impression maybe other people would like something similar.”

The service includes specially written music or a re-recording of an old favourite and a personalised CD cover unique to the recipient.

Mr Cooper said: “We are not businessmen, but I think it is a great idea and can’t believe no-one has thought of it before.”

Professional musician Mr Cooper has played with tribute band The Bootleg Beatles all over the world, and has supported and played bass for troubled rockers Oasis, alongside warring brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher. He said: “Recordings can cost from £50 to thousands of pounds if someone wanted, say, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.”

DETAILS available at tunepig@live.co.uk