Aspinall friends attend funeral

Aspinall was credited with ensuring the Beatles remained profitable

The Who's Pete Townshend, Yoko Ono and Beatles producer Sir George Martin attended the funeral of Neil Aspinall.

The 66-year-old, who ran the Apple Corps music empire for the Beatles and was a close friend of the band, died last month at a hospital in New York.

Sir Paul McCartney, who was abroad at the time of the private service in Twickenham sent flowers, while his fashion designer daughter Stella went.

Ringo Starr was not seen, but his wife, Barbara Bach did attend.

Background instruments

In a statement released on behalf of Sir Paul and Starr at the time his death was announced, Apple Corps said: "As a loyal friend, confidant and chief executive, Neil's trusting stewardship and guidance has left a far-reaching legacy for generations to come."

He worked as a roadie and accountant for the band before becoming chief executive of Apple Corps.

Aspinall also played background instruments on tracks including Magical Mystery Tour, Within You Without You and Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite.

He is credited with ensuring the band continued to make money decades after they split up.

Aspinall died at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

It is understood he was suffering from lung cancer.