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It takes just a few seconds for Jason Cornthwaite to identify whether a Beatles signature is genuine.

The music memorabilia expert, who regularly visits Liverpool to value items connected to the band, can tell the difference between an autograph signed by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison or Ringo Starr and a fake.

He told the Echo's Beatles City podcast: "I know pretty much straight away. A genuine set I can pretty much tie down to six to eight months of when they were signed. With the '63 sets I can tie them down to a month or so."

If you're a Beatles fan you should listen to this Listen to the ECHO's Beatles City podcast, bringing fans the story of the band that shook the world from the place where it all began. Now in its fourth series, Beatles City features interviews with those who were there at the birth of Merseybeat and played a part in the group’s rise to fame as well as those with a unique insight into the time. Presenters Laura Davis and Ellen Kirwin interview a range of stars and experts on their memories including Pete Best, John Lennon's sister Julia Baird and Paul McCartney himself Find Beatles City on iTunes HERE, and on Spotify HERE. or wherever you get your podcasts.

What does he look for?

"Pen spacing, pen indentation, style of signature," said Jason, who works for Tracks, a world leading music memorabilia and autographs dealer based in Chorley.

"People who were signing for them at the time, like Mal Evans, Neil Aspinall, they all have certain traits in their autographs that you can pick up quite easily."

(Image: The Beatles Story)

Often fans have owned the autographs for many decades, even since The Beatles were still playing as a band, without realising they aren't the real thing.

Darren Julien, of New York-based Julien's Auctions was with Jason at the Beatles Story for its annual memorabilia event, inviting members of the public to bring in items for appraisal.

(Image: The Beatles Story)

He said: "It's common that either the secretaries or Neil Aspinall signed on behalf of the Beatles and a lot of times people bring those into us thinking they have value and they really don't."

Eavesdrop behind the scenes at memorabilia day on Beatles City podcast - available on Apple Podcasts, Acast and your favourite podcast apps.