Beatles' Help! film jackets up for auction

Jackets worn by George Harrison and Ringo Starr during the filming of The Beatles' film Help! are going under the hammer, Sky News reports.

The jackets were worn throughout five days of filming in the Alps and also feature on the soundtrack's album cover. They are expected to sell for more than £50,000.

The 1965 comedy adventure, directed by Richard Lester, sees the band come up against an evil cult and flee to the Austrian Alps for refuge.

They have come from the private collection of Lester, 82, who was one of the most influential directors of the 1960s, directing The Beatles' first film, A Hard Day's Night, as well as Help!.

Sunday marked 50 years since the Fab Four made their first US television appearance on an episode of The Ed Sullivan Show which was watched by 73 million people.

Auctioneer Paul Fairweather said: "As Beatles clothing goes, these have got to be among the Holy Grail for any Beatles collector. They feature on one of their most recognisable album covers and I have a feeling these could really fly off the block!"

He added: "The coats are tailored and very stylish and if I had the money to afford them, I would wear them without hesitation."