Fraser Claughton actually just wanted to buy the suitcase

But the suitcase also contained tapes which - if they prove to be of the "Fab Four" - could provide a unique glimpse into their early recording sessions.

Fraser Claughton, from Whitstable, nearly threw the tapes away, not realising their potential significance.

He is now waiting for experts to decide if the tapes are of the Beatles.

The suitcase contains hundreds of photographs, vinyl albums, books, concert tickets and programmes as well as the four-and-a half-hours of tapes.

It made me cry just listening to them John Read, Fraser's friend

Mr Claughton admits he is not particularly interested in the Beatles and just wanted the suitcase, which cost the equivalent of less than �20.

He said he only began to realise what he had on his hands after speaking to a friend back in Kent.

He said: "I knew there were a couple of albums in there, which I didn't want.

"I just took it and it wasn't until I looked through the case later that I phoned my friend John back in England.

"He said 'keep it shut, don't show anyone and bring it back and we'll have a look'."

Even when Mr Claughton brought the suitcase back to England the tapes nearly got thrown away - when they were moved during decorating.

His friend John Read said: "I actually thought the tapes had been thrown away.

"Then we got hold of them again last Friday and Saturday was spent going from reel to reel tape to CD and we heard them on Saturday afternoon.

"It made me cry just listening to them."

Mr Claughton said collectors and auction houses around the world have already shown an interest in the tapes.