BANNED BEATLES GET ISRAEL INVITE !

Israel is inviting the surviving members of The Beatles to celebrate the country's anniversary, 43 years after it banned the group. The Israeli ambassador to London, Ron Prosor, is meeting John Lennon's sister, Julia Baird, in Liverpool. He will invite Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and relatives of Lennon and George Harrison to come to Israel in May for the 60th anniversary.

Israel banned the Beatles in 1965, fearing they would corrupt young fans. But the ambassador - who is in Liverpool after marking Holocaust Memorial Day there - is a big fan of the Beatles and would like them to be part of the planned birthday celebrations.

The invitation is being passed to the director of the city's Beatles Story museum, Jerry Goldman. Mr Goldman said: "I've got close ties to Israel, so I'm thrilled. It would be fantastic if they did visit."

Liverpool is trying to develop cultural links with Israel, including the possibility of building a new museum dedicated to Jewish music.
BBC NEWS REPORT.