A Bolton music producer is helping tell the story of a forgotten figure from Beatles history in a major new documentary backed by the BBC.
Tony Henry, from Bolton, has been interviewed for the forthcoming production, which examines the life and influence of Harold Phillips, better known as Lord Woodbine.
Lord Woodbine, a Caribbean musician and entrepreneur, is widely credited with encouraging and supporting the Beatles in their earliest years, before the band found worldwide fame.
Tony said: "It's basically around this character called Lord Woodbine.
"He was the first manager of the Beatles with Allan Williams. Allan Williams was the agent and club proprietor, but Lord Woodbine took a shine to John Lennon and Paul McCartney when they were still very young."
Filming has already taken place in Liverpool, where Lord Woodbine is still remembered for his role in the city's music scene and now has a plaque at the famous Jacaranda club.
The documentary is not Tony's first connection to the story.
Nearly 30 years ago, while working as a producer and journalist, he was commissioned to make a documentary for BBC Radio Liverpool marking the 50th anniversary of the Empire Windrush.
While searching for a suitable interviewee, Tony was introduced to Lord Woodbine through his daughter.
He said: "I was actually looking for somebody who had come on the Windrush.
"Then somebody said, 'Barbara Phillips' dad came on the Windrush and he was involved with the Beatles.'
"I wasn't interested in the Beatles at that point. I was interested in the Windrush story, but then I discovered this incredible life."
Tony's documentary became one of the most talked-about programmes in the series and helped bring renewed attention to Lord Woodbine's contribution to music history.
He said: "People used to point at him and say, 'There's that bloke who claims he discovered the Beatles.'
"Lots of people didn't believe him.
"When the Observer did a massive piece about him, suddenly people started apologising to him and saying, 'It was true all along.'"
According to Tony, Lord Woodbine played a significant role in nurturing the young Beatles and encouraging them when others were unconvinced.
He said: "Allan Williams thought they were a bit rough and scruffy and weren't really ready yet.
"But Lord Woodbine thought they had something.
"He encouraged them and kept them around while they developed."
The renewed interest in Lord Woodbine comes years after Sir Paul McCartney referred to the band's "Lord Woodbine days" in Beatles anthology projects, introducing a new generation of fans to the name.
Tony believes that recognition is long overdue.
He said: "All of a sudden people were talking about this character again.
"The BBC have come back all these years later and said they want to delve deeper into his story because of just how influential he was."
The documentary is still being filmed and is expected to be released around Christmas or the New Year.
Away from television, Tony has enjoyed a long career in broadcasting and music.
A former member of Factory Records act 52nd Street, he has worked with major names from the Manchester music scene and says he remains proud to be part of Bolton's creative heritage.
He said: "I'm happy being a quiet lad from Bolton.
"But I've had a fruitful life and it's nice that some of these stories are finally being told."
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