<p><br /> The zebra crossing that features on the cover of the Beatles' Abbey Road sleeve has been given protection by the Government.<br /> </p><p><br /> Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr are seen crossing the road in Ian Macmillan's cover shot, later emulated by dozens of other bands and their fans.<br /> </p><p><br /> The crossing - just outside the renowned Abbey Road studios, where the Beatles recorded much of their output - has been given Grade II listing by heritage minister John Penrose.<br /> </p><p><br /> Sir Paul welcomed the news, saying: "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."<br /> </p><p><br /> It is the first such listing of its kind - such status is normally afforded only to buildings - and follows advice from English Heritage. The nearby studios were listed in February.<br /> </p><p><br /> The 1969 album was the last to be completed by The Beatles, although the earlier recorded Let It Be was actually the last to be issued.<br /> </p><p><br /> Its cover contributed to conspiracy theories that Sir Paul had been killed and his place in the group had been taken by a doppelganger.<br /> </p><p><br /> The appearance of the four bandmates was said to resemble a funeral procession.<br /> </p>
