There is no mistaking the soft-cheeked moon face, doe-eyes and the small, downturned mouth... This is James McCartney, the reclusive and only son of Sir Paul.

The musician is the spitting image of his famous father - albeit with ginger hair.

There are now signs the 30-year-old is starting to step out of the famous family shadow.

He made a rare public appearance last night at the switching on of the Christmas lights at the Stella McCartney store in Mayfair.

The youngest of the McCartney clan, until Sir Paul's now estranged wife Heather Mills gave birth to a daughter Beatrice in 2003, James has always shied away from the spotlight.

He spent his earlier days as a penniless student and even working as a waiter. He was studying for his A'levels when his mother Linda died of breast cancer in 1998.

In 1999, he made a rare public appearance when he joined his father to support Stella's first fashion show following the death of their mother.

Guitarist and drummer James is now working on an album with his father, after previously playing with the former Beatle on his North American tour in 2005.

James' heavily pregnant sister Stella McCartney hosted the small bash only 24 hours after winning the Designer of the Year accolade at the British Fashion Awards in Westminster.

Other guests included Stella's publisher husband Alasdhair Willis, M&S model Twiggy, and Fast Show comedians Paul Whitehouse and Mark Williams appearing under the guise of their "Suit you Sir" tailor characters.

Stella is expecting her third child in December - a sibling for her two children Miller, two and a half; and Bailey, 11 months.

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