The Beatles' first manager Allan Williams, has died at the age of 86.

Allan is credited with discovering the iconic band who he worked with from 1960 to 1961.

John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and drummer Pete Best (later replaced by Ringo Starr) signed with Brian Epstein as their manager after Williams.

Allan was the original owner of the well-known Jacaranda Club in Liverpool.

The club announced the death of the stalwart of the city's music scene on Friday, writing on Facebook: "Today is one of the saddest days in our history.

"All of our thoughts and wishes go to his family and his wife Beryl.

"His legacy has allowed us to remain at the heart of the Liverpool music scene for almost 60 years and his memory will live on through every band that plays our famous stage. Allan, you will be missed."

When the band first asked to play at the Jacaranda, Williams instead gave them jobs renovating the venue in Slater Street before deciding to send them to Hamburg.

Sir Paul described Williams in The Beatles Anthology as "a great guy, a really good motivator".

The Beatles Story exhibition said Williams' role as their first booking agent and manager "helped shape the band in to what we see and know today".

Its director Martin King said: "Allan was a friend to many of us at the Beatles Story and his legacy will continue to be told for years to come."

Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn tweeted: "No Allan Williams, no Hamburg. No Hamburg, no Beatles."