PAUL McCartney's guitarist Robbie McIntosh will stage a rare and exclusive concert in Lyme Regis to support Guitars on the Beach.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow for two special shows at Lyme's Marine Theatre to back the record attempt on Saturday, September 7 when it is hoped 2,000 guitarists will play simultaneously on the town beach.

On Friday, September 6 Robbie McIntosh, lead guitarist with The Pretenders, Paul McCartney and John Mayer, will give his first-ever concert in the town.

Geoff Baker, who is organising the event with chef Mark Hix, said: “As Robbie is more used to playing massive stadiums than 350-capacity halls, this is a huge coup for Lyme and a big treat for any guitarist who wants to see how it's really done.”

The Night With Robbie McIntosh will be split into two parts - the first will be an all acoustic set with local soul singer Jess Upston and co-guitarist Steve Wilson, and the second half will feature the Robbie McIntosh Band, the blues rock band which he is re-forming especially for the occasion.

Robbie said: "I think Guitars on the Beach is a fantastic idea and I wanted to support it from the start. Unfortunately I can't join the 2,000 guitarists on Lyme beach as I've booked a holiday that day.

"So I thought I'd do the next best thing and show my support by bringing my band to Lyme to kick-off the Guitars On The Beach weekend.”

Guitars on the Beach has now passed the half-way mark for attracting 2,000 guitarists to Lyme to simultaneously play Buddy Holly's classic Rave On and set a UK record for the most guitarists playing one song.

Mr Baker is also promoting a second rock show at the Marine Theatre over the same weekend.

Following the record attempt at 5pm, a concert that evening will feature young local guitar bands in The Kids Are Alright Show.

It will feature new groups from all over the west, including bands drawn from Lyme's B Sharp and headlined by rock band Ben Kapur's Half Jack.

Mr Baker said: "The Kids Are Alright gig will feature up to 10 local bands playing their best five-song sets, it's going to be a great show of local strength."

During the day on Saturday there will be buskers playing in pubs, shops and coffee shops and jam sessions around bonfires on the beach in the night.

Among the record bid guitarists will be Lyme's mayor Sally Holman, deputy mayor Anita Williams, town clerk John Wright and four town councillors.

Mr Baker said: "Everybody is joining in. As we'll be singing 'Rave On' I'm thrilled that Billy Geraghty, the star of the West End 'Buddy' musical, will lead us through the song. 

"We've also got Hugh Cornwell from The Stranglers and a few other surprises lined up."

Tickets are £12.50 for Robbie McIntosh and £10 for The Kids Are Alright Show, available from marinetheatre.com or from Lyme Regis TIC from Wednesday.

To join the band visit guitarsonthebeach.co.uk