Sir Paul McCartney has revealed that President Barack Obama sang along when he performed at The White House earlier this month.

The former Beatle sang the band's hit 'Michelle' in honour of the president's wife during a small gig in the East Room.

Speaking about his rendition, Sir Paul said he was surprised when Obama began singing the song's lyrics to his wife.

"I start singing Michelle, and he (Barack Obama) starts singing it to her,” he told BBC Newsbeat.

"It's great, I couldn't believe it, he's singing the French bits, he's leaning over to his kids and going, 'This is about mum!'"

Obama presented Sir Paul with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, which is awarded by the Library of Congress. The previous recipients were Wonder and Paul Simon.

(by Jason Gregory)