The Beatles earned more money over the last twelve months than Kanye West and Madonna, it's emerged.

Despite splitting up 38 years ago, Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, together with the estates from the Beatles two dead members, received £35.1million from their licensing company, Apple Corps.

By comparison, Madonna earned £27.4million in the year to June 2008, while West made £18million.

The earning list, published by Forbes, was topped by US rapper 50 Cent, who made £102.7million over the last twelve months.

The Police, who reformed last year, were second with £78.8million and Jay-Z third with £56.2million.

(by Jason Gregory)