The Beatles' Sir Paul McCartney has said he is hopeful that the Abbey Road studios in London can be saved.

A report earlier this week claimed cash-strapped owner EMI was looking to offload the recording studios in St John's Wood.

But it is unclear whether the record label plans to sell the Abbey Road brand name, which is thought to be worth millions, along with the property.

Appearing on BBC Newsnight, Sir Paul said: "There are a few people who have been associated with the studio for a long time who were talking about mounting some bid to save it.

"I sympathise with them. I hope they can do something, it'd be great."

The Beatles were prolific users of Abbey Road during the 1960s, using the studios to record their albums.

Radiohead and Muse have also recorded in the famous building.

EMI, which was bought by private equity company Terra Firma for £4bn in 2007, has been blighted by heavy debts, which include high restructuring and financing costs.

The label is currently seeking a further £120million cash injection in a bid to prevent lender Citigroup from taking control of the business.

(by Jason Gregory)