A GUITAR which is said to have been owned by musician Tony Sheridan at the time he played and recorded with The Beatles was sold in auction for £9000 less than expected.

The 1959 Martin D-28E electro acoustic guitar went under the hammer at Special Auction Services (SAS) in Newbury, Berkshire, on Tuesday, July 25.

The guitar is “extremely rare”, according to SAS, and was expected to be sold for £25,000.

Despite this, the guitar was sold for the final price of £16,000 which is the "lowest it could possible go for".

Speaking before the auction, SAS expert Jessica Forrester said: “This guitar belonged to a musician who was vitally important in the early development of The Beatles.

“Its provenance as well as the likelihood of it having been played by The Beatles in the early days of their career will elevate its popularity with collectors.”

According to an at SAS, the new owner is "very very excited" and is a huge Beatles fan.