Abbey Road to history: Beatles crossing is listed

The zebra crossing in Abbey Road, a landmark since it featured on the sleeve of the 1969 Beatles album named after the north London street, is getting Grade II-listed status.

It is the first item of "road furniture" to achieve the distinction, and fans of the band from around the world celebrated today by crossing it in a re-enaction of the image made famous by Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

Animal trainer Farrah Flasher, 23, and her boyfriend Ben Butler travelled from Florida to St John's Wood to see the crossing. Miss Flasher said her father, also a Beatles fan, was watching them from the US on live webcam.

"It's good that the crossing's going to be preserved forever," she said. "They should put up a sign as well. We have a poster of the crossing up at home."

Bank manager José Mallmann, 33, said Abbey Road was the first port of call for him and his family after arriving in London yesterday from Brazil. He strode over the crossing with his father, also called José, and his brother and sister, Michel and Robertha, all wearing matching football shirts.

Mr Mallman said: "It's great that it's going to be there forever. One of our main goals for coming to London was to see this. Abbey Road is famous in Brazil." However, local resident Anu Kashyap, 35, a human resources director, said: "If you're on the bus it just all of a sudden has to stop because people keep walking by and taking pictures. I understand the significance of it but at the same time it's an annoyance."

English Heritage recommended the crossing for listed status to "reflect its cultural and historical importance." Nearby Abbey Road Studios were given listed status in February.

Told of the crossing's new status, Sir Paul McCartney said: "It's been a great year for me and for the Beatles... this is the icing on the cake."

Tourism and heritage minister John Penrose said: "This crossing continues to attract thousands of visitors each year."

The album, which was No 1 in the UK and the US, was the last recorded by the band.