AN internationally-acclaimed crime writer from Greenock has teamed up with a rock god's former keyboard player and students on a major new musical project.

Author Lin Anderson and musician John Sinclair have linked up with performance students from the University of the West of Scotland to develop ideas for Voice of a Generation, a show set in New York in 1975.

It tells the story of a young woman and a fast-rising rock star, who strive to give young soldiers a voice when they return from the Vietnam War.

During a three-day workshop, students tested out ideas for the musical, which it's hoped will eventually take the form of an immersive recorded concept and stadium tour.

Greenock-born author Lin, known for her Rhona MacLeod novels, said working with the them was 'exciting and invigorating'.

She said: "Their enthusiasm was infectious.

"They all demonstrated impressive commitment and talent.

"The students should be proud of their contributions which will prove invaluable as we continue to bring this musical to life."

John has worked with Ozzy Osborne and Black Sabbath, and his time in Uriah Heep inspired sections of the famous mockumentary film, This is Spinal Tap.

He described working with the students on the musical as a 'tremendous' experience.

John added: "This was a first for me in terms of seeing music I'd written brought to life in the theatrical sense.

"The students' level of enthusiasm, creativity and sheer talent was overwhelming.

"I hope that a situation arises that requires us to do more of the same."

Voice of a Generation will launch in 2025 to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

Stephen Langston, who leads the UWS performance course, says he hopes the students will be able to develop the musical even further in the future.

He added: "This is a truly exciting process and placed students from all levels of the programme at the heart of developing ideas for an incredibly exciting new production."