A COMPLETE set of Beatles autographs and handwritten letters from George Harrison's sister and mum are set for auction in Poole.

Beatles memorabilia generates huge international interest - and while autographs often come onto the market, letters connected to the 1960s giants are much rarer.

The three letters were written to one of the group's fans from George Harrison's mum, Louise, and sister, also named Louise.

Auctioneer John Condie, of Cottees Auctions Limited, said: "The pair would often reply to Beatles fans' letters and when the vendor of a set of autographs brought them in to be sold at, she also included three handwritten letters which show an interesting insight into the Beatles lives at the beginning of their careers."

One letter, written by George's sister, described how "the boys are very busy with the film" and that she had just returned from three weeks in Jamaica, a holiday bought for her by George.

Another from George's mother is addressed from Mackets Lane in Liverpool.

She wrote: "The usual system of the boy's when they are going to play anywhere is to practice in the afternoon prior to the show."

Meanwhile, in a third letter written by George's mum to fan Sal, she said: "George is a very happy and kind person. I think he is kind of interested in Patti as she is also quite a jolly person."

George Harrison married model Patti Boyd in 1966, after the pair met on the set of A Hard Day's Night. He also wrote his first ever song for the Beatles, Don't Bother Me, while ill in bed at a Bournemouth hotel, while the band were performing in the town in 1963.

The letters will be sold separately from the set of four autographs that were acquired by the vendor when she was able to go backstage at the Royal Albert Hall.

Cottees Auctions, Manning Heath Road, Poole, will hold the rock and pop memorabilia auction on Saturday, August 6.

This sale will also include autographs from Boxing legend Muhammad Ali and other pop starts and celebrities of the 1960s.