Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard is to direct a documentary about the early years of the Beatles.

The film, which is being made in co-operation with Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison and Yoko Ono, will focus on 1961 to 1966.

It will follow the Fab Four's journey from Liverpool's Cavern Club to their last public concert in San Francisco.

Howard described the film as an "astounding story" of "four young men who stormed the world in 1964".

He added: "Their impact on popular culture and the human experience cannot be exaggerated."

The Beatles began touring Europe in late 1963 but became global celebrities with their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in the US in 1964.

Source: Press Release