George Michael has received a letter of support from Sir Paul McCartney.

The 'Faith' singer - who is serving a custodial sentence at Highpoint Prison in Suffolk for driving under the influence of drugs and possession of cannabis ' was thrilled to receive the handwritten note of encouragement from the former Beatles star.

A source told The Sun newspaper: 'George got the letter on Monday (27.09.10) and was really chuffed. Sir Paul said he would see him soon and told George to keep his chin up. The letter was two pages long and George read it over and over again.'

Paul is believed to 'empathise' with the former Wham! star as he was arrested and deported from Japan in 1980 for cannabis possession when he was caught with the drug at Narita airport.

George, 47, was given an eight-week sentence last month after he crashed his Range Rover into a shop window in July. He was found slumped behind the wheel by two police officers.

Half of the 'Freedom' hitmaker's sentence will be served in custody, with the other half spent under the supervision of the probation service.

He has also been handed fines and a five year driving ban alongside his prison term.

George's jailing comes after he received a community sentence two years ago for driving while under the influence of drugs.