A REDNAL rocker paid homage to the late, great George Harrison by seeing in the New Year in sixties style.

Giovanni Esposito of Cliffrock Road stepped into the suit of the Beatles' guitarist and stormed the stage in Birmingham's Centenary Square.

Clutching his Rickenbacker guitar he helped town revellers twist and shout into the year 2002, as part of sixties tribute band Prefab Four.

They performed the Countdown to Midnight alongside other talented acts including the Irish Dance Company, Celtic Feet, Blues' Brothers tribute, Sweet Home Chicago and Birmingham band 360.

Following the death of George Harrison, who lost his battle with cancer last month Giovanni said: "We were extremely sad when we heard the news about George and we felt the Countdown to Midnight would be an ideal opportunity to perform some surprise George Harrison numbers."

Following the musical extravaganza, the New Year was celebrated in traditional style with The Royal Scottish Pipe Band performing Auld Lang Syne with a firework finale.

Speaking before the event Giovanni said: "We're really looking forward to playing in Centenary Square, we definitely feel it's better than anything London has to offer.

"We get a buzz from performing outside, especially in front of our own home crowd."