The zebra crossing from the cover of the Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road album is to become a national treasure.

Tourism chief John Penrose yesterday announced it will be made a Grade II listed site of cultural significance.

Sir Paul McCartney, who features on the cover with John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, was delighted at the news.

He said: “It’s been a great year for me and a great year for the Beatles – and hearing that the Abbey Road crossing is to be preserved is the icing on the cake.”

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The crossing in North London is the first to be awarded listed status, which is normally reserved for historic buildings.

Mr Penrose said: “It is a testimony to the Beatles that, more than 40 years on, it continues to attract thousands of visitors each year.”

An English Heritage spokesman said: “It’s a place of pilgrimage for fans from all over the world.”