London, Oct 4 (ANI): A snapshot of Beatles legend John Lennon as a 17-year teenager has come to light after being locked away for 50 long years.

The picture was taken in 1958 and shows Lennon wearing a camel hair coat and with a quiff.

In the photo with Lennon is his pal Nigel Walley on Liverpool's Lime Street.

Mr Walley gave the snap to his brother but hasn't seen it for almost 50 years. He believed it to be stolen from his school desk.

"Goodness knows where it got to since then. It's very emotional for me seeing this photo again after all these years. John was a very good friend of mine," BBC quoted Mr Walley, as saying.

"One thing I know John would have loved, was seeing this photograph. It's something I'll always treasure now."

Mr Walley recalled that picture had been taken because the photographer took an interest in them thanks to their camel coats with their "amazing lapels".

"I recognise my writing on the back of it. I've put 5 May, 1958. Lime Street. I haven't a clue what we were doing then - just a couple of lads out in town larking about probably. But we look happy then," he added.

The pic came to light after an anonymous collector who bought it at an auction came forward. It will now be shown on BBC One in the North West. (ANI)