Beatles fans spent yesterday bidding for copies of the original song's score

BEATLES fans have bid thousands of pounds to snap up copies ofthe original score of Yesterday as Sir George Martin launched a fund-raising sale.

The band's producer, who penned the string arrangement on thetrack, commissioned a set of prints which are being sold on aninternet auction.

Although the song is regarded as a classic, Sir George admitted:"I never thought I'd be talking about it 36 years later."

Fans were bidding more than pounds 2,000 yesterday for the chanceto own one of 500 framed copies each signed by Sir George and thesong's writer, Sir Paul McCartney.

The first in the series - bearing a small plaque and specialmessage from Sir Paul - is expected to go for considerably more. Itwill also be hand-delivered by Sir George to the winning bidder.

Launching the sale at HMV in London, a store with stronghistorical links to the Beatles, Sir George said: "I think the firstone will go abroad. There are a lot of rich people there who aretremendous Beatles fans. I have said I will deliver the first onepersonally so I hope it's not in Siberia or somewhere."

The song celebrates an anniversary today - it is 36 years sinceSir Paul and the studio team began recording it at Abbey Road.

Yesterday was the first to feature a solo Beatle and the first toinclude musicians outside the core members of the group, with astring quartet providing the accompaniment. It has gone on to be themost performed work of all time.

"It wasn't a bad song," Sir George said. "I loved Yesterday."

Internet firm Yahoo! is auctioning the prints to raise cash forSir George's charity to aid the British colony of Montserrat, wherea volcano erupted in 1997.