A previously unseen picture from the Beatles’ Sgt Pepper cover shoot apparently proves Paul McCartney was present at the photo session, reports HANNAH ROBERTS in London.

A PRESS pack that contains a previously unseen photo from the album cover shoot for Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and the cover work for an unreleased Beatles LP are to go to auction for the first time.

The press pack is comprised of an internal EMI Records memorandum, mock-up sleeve artwork – including a number of previously unseen photos and press releases for unreleased album Sessions and single Leave My Kitten Alone.

According to a description of the press pack on the EMI Records memorandum, the photo from the Sgt Pepper cover shoot proves that Sir Paul McCartney was present at the photo session, dispelling long-standing rumours that he did not attend the shoot, as the album cover only shows him from behind.

The photo shows the foursome dressed in their colourful outfits, with Sir Paul faced to the side.

The EMI Records Memorandum provides a description of the photos included in the press pack.

“The spotlight shot was done in Manchester Square in 1963/1964 and the Sgt Pepper shot (1967) is an alternative back cover shot,” it says.

“It is interesting to note that disproves the theory that Paul McCartney was not at the sessions (hence only his back appearing on the original sleeve).”

Martin Hughes, music specialist at Wessex Auction Rooms, thinks the press pack could fetch STG5000 ($A9800) to STG10,000 ($A19,500) when it goes under the hammer on Friday.

“This is one of the coolest Fab Four-related items that I have had the pleasure of cataloguing,” he said.

“Whenever I sell rare Beatles lots at auction there is a bidding war – but with something as unique as this I am expecting interest from around the globe.

“Every serious Beatles collector will want these items in their collection.”

According to Mr Hughes, telephone bids have been booked from the US, Japan, France and the UK.

The auction house recently sold a rare set of Beatles autographs which were bought by a UK bidder, online for STG14,000 ($A27,300).