Former BEATLE RINGO STARR sympathises with troubled singer AMY WINEHOUSE for having suffered such a "public destruction".

The veteran rocker is full of praise for Winehouse’s musical achievements, and is confident she can kick her drug habit if she really tries.

He says, "God Bless Amy. She’s a great talent and she’s going through a situation right now. It’s a very public destruction. The good news is that there’s more help around now than before." And Starr has also given his support to Winehouse’s drug addict pal Pete Doherty, who admitted to a heroin relapse last month (Nov07).

He adds, "You can do it. God Bless you, Pete."