John Lennon's albums have been digitally remastered and are set to be released to celebrate what would have been his 70th birthday.

The albums, which include 1971's 'Imagine', have been remastered by engineers working alongside his widow Yoko Ono in London and New York.

Lennon's covers album 'Rock 'n' Roll', from 1975, and 1980's 'Double Fantasy' will also be re-issued.

Ono said the former Beatles' lyrics were still relevant today and that she hoped the remasters would "help bring his incredible music to a whole new audience".

"By remastering 121 tracks spanning his solo career, I hope also that those who are already familiar with John's work will find renewed inspiration from his incredible gifts as a songwriter, musician and vocalist and from his power as a commentator on the human condition,” she added.

Lennon would have turned 70 on October 9. He was shot dead in New York in December 1980.

(by Jason Gregory)