WIRRAL'S historic links with The Beatles will be discussed as part of National Libraries day next month.

Ray O'Brien’s Magical Mystery Tour will be held at Birkenhead Central Library on Saturday, February 9.

It will look at the Fab Four's formative years in the early 60s, including their first gig with Ringo Starr, at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight on August 18, 1962.

The gig saw the classic line up appear together for the first time, at a Horticultural Society dance.

New Brighton's Tower Ballroom played host to the largest Beatles gig anywhere on the UK mainland, as well as 26 other performances, the most of any venue except the Cavern.

Cllr Chris Meaden, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure said:

"Wirral played a small but significant part in the history of the most famous band the world has ever seen, including the famous occasion in 1962 where the classic line-up of John, Paul, George and Ringo first appeared on stage together.

"This sounds like a fascinating discussion and a must-see for Beatles fanatics."

The key Wirral Beatles locations form part of The Beatles Across the Mersey, a tourist resource available from Visit Wirral featuring every significant location in the borough.

The Saturday, February 9 event starts at 2.15pm. Tickets are £2.50 or £2 for Friends of Birkenhead Library and booking in advance is essential.

For more information about the Beatles in Wirral, go to www.visitwirral.com.

For more on the Magical Mystery Tour, go to www.wirral.gov.uk/libraries or call 0151 606 2665.