Paul McCartney's driving licence sold for £15k

Paul McCartney was the bass guitarist and singer for The Beatles before the band broke up in 1970

Paul McCartney's 1960s driving licence, complete with convictions and fines, has been sold for £15,600 at an auction in Surrey.

The old-style UK driving licence lists The Beatles bass guitarist and singer's name, previous address in London and his signature in blue-felt pen.

Ewbank's Auctions said the back of the licence shows two convictions and fines – one in Bath on 11 May 1969 and another in Coventry on 7 February 1968.

The item, which had been expected to fetch between £800 and £1,200, was described as a "rare gift" by auctioneer Andrew Ewbank.

Paul McCartney's old driving licence went under the hammer on Thursday at Ewbank's Auctions in Surrey

Ewbank's Auctions say at the back are two pages showing convictions and fines, one in Bath on May 11, 1969, the other in Coventry on 7 February, 1968

"This is a unique treasure which celebrates the era of paper-copy driving licences owned by one of the most celebrated musicians in the world," Mr Ewbank said.

The item was part of Ewbank's Music Memorabilia sale when it went on auction on Thursday in Woking.

McCartney, 86, was a founding member of The Beatles before enjoying a successful solo career.

He met his song-writing partner John Lennon at a church fete in Woolton, Liverpool, in 1957.

McCartney was a member of the skiffle band called the Quarrymen, formed by Lennon.

The band then evolved into the Silver Beatles and subsequently The Beatles, which went on to achieve global fame and fortune before breaking up in 1970.

The Beatles pose with their MBEs at a press conference held at the Saville Theatre, London, following their investiture at Buckingham Palace on 26 October 1965

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.