The zebra crossing outside Abbey Road studios – immortalised on the cover of a Beatles’ album – has been given Grade II listed status by the British government.

The crossing – in north London’s St John’s Wood - is the first of its kind to ever be listed, with the decision to list taken following advice from English Heritage.

It is being recognised for its “cultural and historical importance” after it appeared on the 1969 album Abbey Road.

Roger Bowdler, head of designation at English Heritage said: “This is obviously an unusual case, and although a modest structure, the crossing has international renown and continues to possess huge cultural pull - the temptation to recreate that iconic 1969 album cover remains as strong as ever.”

The Beatles immortalised the crossing in 1969

Paul McCartney said it was the “icing on the cake” of a great year.

McCartney added: “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.”

The Beatles this year saw their back catalogue appear on iTunes for the first time, following an agreement with Apple.

The Abbey Road studios were Grade II listed in February.

Making the announcement minister for tourism & heritage, John Penrose, said: “This London zebra crossing is no castle or cathedral but, thanks to the Beatles and a 10 minute photo-shoot one August morning in 1969, it has just as strong a claim as any to be seen as part of our heritage.

“Together with the nearby Abbey Road studios, also listed at Grade II on our advice, they remain a Mecca for Beatles fans the world over.”

A Grade II listing, the most common protected status, means that a building or monument is recognised as nationally important and of special interest.

World Mobi

Also in Europe today, World Mobi is celebrating the success of its new city guide to London. 

World Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the World Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, London.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

London.Mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

World.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.