John Lennon’s primary school has banned Beatles fans and tourists from taking pictures of pupils in the playground.
Large signs showing a camera with a cross through it have been put up on the fence surrounding the playground of Dovedale Junior School on Barndale Road, just yards from Penny Lane.
Lennon and fellow ex-Beatle George Harrison both attended the Liverpool school in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Officials at the school insisted they did not wish to appear ‘unfriendly’ and Beatles fans were welcome to take snaps at the front of the school building, away from the children.
Nik Smith, Headteacher, said: “At times it can be quite difficult to explain that taking photographs while the children are out on the playground is not allowed as many of the tourists are foreign and the language barrier can be a difficulty.
“We thought that a sign is universal and is self explanatory. We do try to encourage tourists to come to the front of the buildings to take a photograph where there are no children.
“We do have some children who are not allowed to have their photograph taken for personal and safety reasons.”
The signs followed an annual review of security but Mr Smith stressed that the school is proud to be associated with Lennon and high profile visitors have included Yoko Ono, his widow.