John Lennon's fans gather on 30th anniversary of his death

Tributes are being paid to former Beatle John Lennon to mark the 30th anniversary of his murder.

Fans are gathering at a memorial garden in Central Park, New York, opposite the apartment block where he was shot dead. A vigil will also be held in Liverpool at a monument dedicated to the singer where fans will light candles and sing his songs. Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, has urged people to remember him with "deep love and respect".

She said: "On this tragic anniversary, please join me in remembering John.

"In his short-lived life of 40 years, he has given so much to the world. The world was lucky to have known him. We still learn so much from him today."

'He made us proud'

Ono was with Lennon when he was killed by crazed fan Mark Chapman outside the Dakota building in Manhattan, where the couple lived.

Ono will lead the tributes at a charity concert she has organised in Japan called Dream Power John Lennon Super Live, which raises money for schools for deprived children all over the world.

Events are also take place across Liverpool - Lennon's home city - to remember the singer.

Lennon's widow Yoko Ono paid tribute at a concert in Tokyo

On Thursday, charity concert Lennon Remembered - The 9 Faces of John will feature the Liverpudlian's friends and bandmates from his first band, The Quarrymen, performing his most famous songs.