Sir George Martin, the record producer known as the 'Fifth Beatle', has died aged 90.

Sir George helped the Beatles achieve global success as the head of the Parlophone record label after hearing their demo tape in 1962. Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, 75, announced the news on Twitter, writing: "God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family love Ringo and Barbara George will be missed."

He captioned a picture of the Fab Four and Sir George with the phrase: "Thank you for all your love and kindness George peace and love." Sir George Martin's family have since released a statement thanking 'everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support'. Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon, tweeted: "R.I.P. George Martin. I'm so gutted I don't have many words."

In a career spanning five decades, Sir George, who celebrated his 90th birthday in January, signed the Beatles and produced more than 700 records. Sir George, often called 'the Fifth Beatle', gave the Beatles their first recording contract and produced virtually all of their music.

In 1997, Martin rerecorded Elton’s “Candle in the Wind,” originally written by Elton and Bernie Taupin about Marilyn Monroe but retooled as a tribute to Princess Diana. The song became the second best-selling single in history, and Martin called it “probably my last single. It’s not a bad one to go out on.”

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