Monument unveiled to mark John Lennon's birthday

John Lennon’s first wife Cynthia and son Julian have unveiled a monument in Liverpool to mark the legendary musician’s 70th birthday.

The statue has been built to act as a shrine for thousands of fans who want to pay tribute to the Beatle in his home city, while officials say it is also designed to be a monument for peace.

Indeed, the area of the park, known as Strawberry Fields, has long been considered a site of pilgrimage for followers of the talented singer songwriter.

Cynthia, 71, who was married to Lennon for six years, said that she hoped the statue would bring joy to his followers.

"I think it's time to celebrate, which is what we're doing. Think about [anything in] his life that was positive and just enjoy that. Enjoy the joy that he had and that we all have from his music,” she added.

She then joined son Julian and the 2,000-strong crowd in joining hands and singing Lennon's anthem ‘Give Peace A Chance’.

Originally, the statue was created by 19-year-old US artist Lauren Voiers and commissioned by the Global Peace