RARE jackets worn by George Harrison and Ringo Starr during the making of The Beatles' 1965 film Help!

are to go up for sale.

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

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

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!

Auctioneer Paul Fairweather said: "As Beatles clothing goes, these have got to be amongst 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."

The sale of the jackets is part of an auction of more than 200 lots of rare Beatles memorabilia and vinyl records to be hosted by Omega Auctions on March 20 at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the release of The Beatles' number one hit Can't Buy Me Love.