Sir Paul promotes finance giant

Sir Paul sang All You Need is Love with The Beatles

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney is to appear in a US advert selling financial planning for an investment giant.

Sir Paul, one of the most famous figures in the 1960s counter-culture movement, has signed up to promote US-based Fidelity Investments.

Fidelity claims Sir Paul, 63, was ideal to front their campaign because he "shares similarities" with the firm by being a leader of his field.

The company is also sponsoring Sir Paul's upcoming concert tour.

Claire Huang, Fidelity's executive vice president for advertising, said the ex-Beatle was picked because of his status as "an innovative market leader".

"We see Fidelity as being the same in our field and we think this is definitely good for both parties," she said.

Large wealth

The advert, entitled "This is Paul", will air in the US and Canada this month and will feature a chronological tour of the star's life.

Fidelity is also running a print campaign featuring Sir Paul, with the slogan: "The key is, never stop doing what you love."

The firm previously ran a series of adverts featuring average people who reinvented themselves after Fidelity gave financial advice.

Sir Paul has regularly topped the "rich list" of British music celebrities and media personalities. In 2004, he was estimated to be worth £760m.

He has campaigned for causes such as vegetarianism and explored experimental music throughout his career.