McCartney pays tribute to 'fifth Beatle'

Sir Paul McCartney has paid tribute to close friend Neil Aspinall, who died on Monday.

Aspinall, known as the 'fifth Beatle', passed away from lung cancer in New York, aged 66.

McCartney revealed that he had managed to speak to his long-time friend in the days leading up to his death.

He said in a statement: "Neil was a great man I knew even before I met any of the guys in The Beatles. I met him at school when we were 11 and we remained friends.

"I was able to say goodbye and thank him for everything he did for us and I send my deepest sympathies to his family. I will miss him but will remember the laughs."

Aspinall was the band's road manager and accountant before becoming chief executive of Apple Corps in 1968. He remained in charge of the firm for 37 years until his surprise departure last April.