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Rare Beatles guitar goes on show

A custom-made guitar used by Liverpool music legend John Lennon and his Beatles bandmate George Harrison was given a rare public outing ahead of its auction for upwards of £130,000.

Man with guitar
The rare VOX guitar played during The Beatles 1967 Magical Mystery Tour Credit: Sean Dempsey/PA

The Vox guitar, with an unusually shaped wood-finished body, was made in 1966 and given by Lennon to a pal of the band, known as Magic Alex.

It is on public display in London until Saturday and will later be sent off to New York where it is being sold by Julien's Auctions on May 18.

Guitar on floor
The rare VOX guitar played during The Beatles 1967 Magical Mystery Tour Credit: Sean Dempsey/PA

The instrument is said to be one of only a few known to have been played by both guitarists.

A plaque on the reverse says: "To Magic Alex, Alexi thank you for been a friend."

It is being exhibited at the Stafford London hotel in St James's, London.

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Exploring the past at Liverpool's St George's Hall

For the first time in its history, Liverpool's historic St George's Hall has revealed a rather dark secret.

Prison cells, that have always been hidden are now being opened up, allowing people to follow the journey of convicts in Victorian times.

It's hoped giving the public access to the cells will encourage more tourists to explore the city's undiscovered past.

Rachel Townsend has the details:-

May the 4th be with you! Exhibition opens

A special exhibition of Star Wars artwork has been unveiled at a gallery in Manchester. The official Star Wars fine art collection has be flown over from America and is on display at the Generation Gallery. Among the pieces, are artwork by the renowned illustrator Ryan Church.

Ryan is best known for creating the concept artwork for the most recent Star Wars films as well as others like Avatar and Transformers. This is the only art gallery in the UK with this collection.

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Sloths at Chester Zoo get health check

Vets check one of the sloths Credit: Chester Zoo

Two sloths at Chester Zoo have been undergoing a health check. Its the first time that the gender of Tina and Camillo has positively been confirmed and both were given a clean bill of health.

An x ray of sloth's rib cage Credit: Chester Zoo

Vet Steve Unwin

“Few people may be aware that sloths have more ribs than any other mammal...They boast 46 whereas elephants only have 40, horses 36 and humans 24. This fascinating x-ray gives a rare glimpse into the make-up of this wonderful and rather intriguing creature.” **

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A dental check Credit: Chester Zoo
Tina is put under general anaesthetic for her checks Credit: Chester Zoo

Sloth facts

· The two toed sloth is native to south America

· The two-toed sloth does everything while hanging upside down from trees, including eating, sleeping, mating, and even giving birth.

· Sloths move slowly and sleep for 15 hours a day to conserve energy.

Camillo back in his tree. Credit: Chester Zoo
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