From correspondents in London, England, 12:31 AM IST

Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney is helping his former assistant Holly Dearden get her singing career off the ground.

Dearden, 30, has signed a deal for her first album 'The Optimist's Daughter' with the independent label Ambiguous, reports dailymail.co.uk.

She will debut at a London jazz club in three weeks' time.

Dearden was reluctant to tell McCartney about her singing skills when she worked for him but now he is doing all he can to assist.

"He didn't know I was a singer for a long time, I told him right near the end and he was very supportive. I didn't tell him earlier because I wanted to do it myself. I've hooked up with some good people via him," she said.

She added: "Paul gave me his blessing to use everyone around him to help me out. It's nice having him to back me up."

Dearden's songs are inspired by her love for vocalists such as Joni Mitchell and Carole King. Her first track, "You And London", will be released soon.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)