Sir Paul McCartney today paid tribute to fellow Beatle George Harrison, who has died from cancer aged 58.

Sir Paul, who lives at Peasmarsh, near Rye, likened losing Harrison - lead guitarist with the Sixties supergroup - to losing a brother.

Harrison died at a friend's home in Los Angeles yesterday after a long battle against lung and throat tumours.

His death leaves two surviving members of the Beatles - the most famous rock group of all time - Sir Paul and drummer Ringo Starr.

John Lennon, who was taught to play guitar by Harrison, was shot dead by a deranged fan in New York in 1980.

Sir Paul said today: "I am devastated and very, very sad. We knew he'd been ill for a long time.

"He was a lovely guy and a very brave man and had a wonderful sense of humour. He is really just my baby brother."

Yoko Ono, widow of John Lennon, and Prime Minister Tony Blair were among others who paid tribute today to the youngest of the Fab Four, who joined aged 17.

Harrison died with his wife Olivia and son Dhani by his side.

His family said: "He left this world as he lived in it, conscious of God, fearless of death, and at peace, surrounded by family and friends.

"He often said 'Everything else can wait but the search for God cannot wait, and love one another."'

Harrison, a former smoker, suffered lung and throat cancer and recently underwent last-hope treatment in the US.

In 1998, when Harrison disclosed that he had been treated for throat cancer, he said: "It reminds you that anything can happen."

The following year, he survived an attack at his home by deranged intruder Michael Abram when he was stabbed several times.