Nearly 60 years ago, a rare album by The Beatles sold at auction for £10,000.

1965 LP Help! It is thought to be one of fewer than 100 albums signed by the four members still in circulation.

This record was sold by Annie Newby of County Durham, whose late husband owned it for more than a quarter of a century.

He said he felt it was important for the record to find a “loving home.”

It was first purchased in September 1989 by music enthusiast Bob Todd, who passed it on to his friend Max Newby before his death.

The record was held by Mr Newby until his death in 2016, and has been in the hands of his wife ever since.

He said he recently decided it was “time to pass on this special piece of music history to another fan who will appreciate it as much as Max and Bob.”

Ms Newby said: “The signed album brought Max and Bob great joy. I still remember the day Bob bought it, he was so excited to show it to Max.

“He brought it right into our home and they spent hours talking about The Beatles, their history and what The Cavern Club was like in the early 1960s.

“They stayed up until two in the morning, just looking at the album and feeling where the pen went into the album.”

A letter from the item’s original owner, Jeff Conner, confirms that the item was signed by the group at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool in 1965.

It is stated that their close friend Paddy Delaine, the former doorman of The Cavern Club, introduced the “shy” Mr. Conner to The Fab Four.

The letter continued: “I was very hesitant to ask George for his autograph because he was in deep conversation with someone, but as he picked up the pen he completed one of my dreams at the time: getting The Beatles’ autograph.”

“John and Ringo signed above, Paul and George below.”

The Beatles last performed in Liverpool at the Liverpool Empire Theater in December 1965.

The sale took place at Anderson & Garland’s music auction in Newcastle.

The recipient’s identity has not been verified.