Singer Shaun Ryder was in such a rush when he visited a rock school he forgot how to spell his name.

The former lead singer of the Happy Mondays, who has overcome bankruptcy and drug problems, was the latest rock star to sign the wall at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, in Rock Place, Brighton.

He agreed to pop in to the school and talk to the budding rock stars and contemporary musicians after a night working as a DJ in the city.

All musicians who visit the college are asked to sign their names on the white wall in the library.

But 42-year-old Shaun found spelling was not the most important thing on his mind at 10am.

He joked about the mistake saying the wall was not the best surface for signing his name. He than dashed off to his next function.

Bruce Dickinson, a director of the college said: "We were delighted to see Shaun as we all recognise his contribution to the British music scene.

"It was a very rushed visit and we were delighted to see him in such good form at 10am, considering he had been working until the early hours."

Other signatures on the wall include members of the rock group Top Loader, Wheatus and Turin Brakes.

The college offers degree courses in modern music, and many of its lecturers have played with top groups and bands.