A sculpture was unveiled today to celebrate the life of John Lennon, on what would have been the music legend's 70th birthday.

The monument designed to promote world peace was revealed at a ceremony in the late Beatle's home town of Liverpool by his first wife Cynthia and their son Julian.

They thanked the hundreds of people who gathered in the city centre's Chavasse Park and told them to celebrate Lennon's life.

Julian, 47, said to the crowd: "We come here with our hearts to honour Dad and to pray for peace and say "thank you" to each and every one of you, and everybody involved in the celebrations today.

"From our hearts, real love, and thank you."

Cynthia, 71, who met Lennon at Liverpool Art College, told people not to be sad, but to enjoy his life.

She said: "I think the mourning is over for John. I think it's time to celebrate, which is what we're doing.

"Think about his life that was positive and good and just enjoy that.

"Don't be morbid, enjoy the joy that he had and what we all have from his music."