"Teaching literature to us in general was a struggle but he managed it."
Paul says that because of Alan's teaching of English Literature he was encouraged to read more and that, in turn, helped him attain his only scholastic achievement - 'A' Level Literature.
Paul says: "I think after The Beatles' Thank You Girl period we blossomed with our writing, say, with Eleanor Rigby."
When Paul made his debut poetry reading from his best-selling Blackbird Singing in March 2001 at the Liverpool Everyman, he said it was extra-special for him because of Alan's association as a leading light with the famous Theatre.
The Everyman presented the world premieres of two sell-out shows Willy Russell's John, Paul George Ringo and Bert musical and the stage show Lennon.
A plaque was unveiled by Willy Russell and friends at the theatre.
