Submarine docks at Lennon airport

The submarine will welcome air passengers outside the terminal

Liverpool's famous yellow submarine is to be unveiled at its new home at John Lennon Airport.

The 25-tonne landmark was moved from Chavasse Park last year to allow work to start on the Paradise Project, which will redevelop 42 acres of the city.

On Tuesday, the vessel was due to be officially "launched" on the public walkway outside the terminal building.

The airport asked the council if it could house the vessel to fit in with its Beatles' theme.

The Yellow Submarine was built by apprentices from Cammell Lairds shipyard for the International Garden Festival in 1984.

Beatles' theme

When the Festival Gardens fell into disrepair the city council stepped in to rescue the submarine.

The 51ft-long submarine was moved to the airport just over a fortnight ago after it was cleaned and repaired.

It is on loan for five years to the airport and will be in place for the city year as European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Mike Storey said: "What better welcome can we give to visitors to this city then to have the yellow submarine right outside the airport?

"It fits in well with the Beatles theme which is developing at the airport."

Paul McCartney wrote the Beatles' hit Yellow Submarine, inspired by the songs of his childhood. It was sung by Ringo Starr.