Pop and rock superstar Paul McCartney has teamed up with a firm of rocking horse makers to raise money for a children’s hospital.

He agreed to let Stevenson Brothers, in Bethersden, make a horse in the likeness of his beloved appaloosa Moonstar.

The finished product was taken to him for him to sign and it will be auctioned on eBay next week to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in the former Beatle’s home town of Liverpool.

The connection came about because Stevenson Brothers are exhibiting at the Ultimate Christmas Fair in Liverpool.

Marc Stevenson, who runs the firm with twin brother Tony, said: “The fair is in aid of Alder Hey hospital and this is the first time we have shown there.

“As we support hospitals, and as Liverpool is Paul’s home town, we approached him to see if we could do a rocking horse in the likeness of his appaloosa Moonstar.

“The horse is very famous and is about 30 years old. Paul has frequently been photographed riding it.”

Through a member of the singer's staff, photos of Moonstar were sent to Bethersden for the company to get the colouring right.

Once it was finished, the rocking horse was taken to him to sign it.

On the base of the horse, he wrote: “rocking horse people eat marshmallow pies”, from The Beatles 1969 song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. He also signed it Paul McCartney 2015.

Stevenson rocking horses have a secret locking compartment and inside Moonstar’s is a signed photograph of Paul.

It will be auctioned on eBay for 10 days from Thursday, November 19, with all proceeds going to Alder Hey.

Mr Stevenson said: “This unique rocking horse is the culmination of Stevenson Brothers 33 years making and the team are very excited to see a new record set for an online auction of their work for such a great cause.”

To bid, look at the links on www.stevensonbros.com