A lock of hair snipped from the head of John Lennon as the Beatle prepared for a film role is expected to sell for 10,000 US dollars (£7,000) at a Dallas auction later this month.

Heritage Auctions said the 4-inch lock was collected by a German hairdresser who trimmed Lennon's hair before he started shooting How I Won The War.

The dark comedy, released in 1967, follows the World War II misadventures of British troops led by an inept commander.

The auction will be held on February 20 and Heritage says it will include other rare items linked to the Beatles, such as a signed photograph of all four members.

Memorabilia from other artists such as Elvis Presley and Led Zeppelin will also be auctioned.