Sir Paul McCartney was deported from Germany early in his career after setting fire to condoms, it has emerged.

Former Beatles drummer Pete Best told Absolute Radio that he and Sir Paul had tried to use the comdoms for extra lighting.

"We pinned them on the wall and they spluttered. Let's get it clear, they weren't used,” he said.

“We were charged with trying to burn our van down."

Best said the pair were returned to the UK on suspicion of arson.

(by Jason Gregory)