A piano formally owned by John Lennon is set to embark on a peace tour organised by singer George Michael.

Famous for being the kit which the ex-Beatle used to compose the hit single Imagine, the Steinway Model Z upright piano will visit special sites where acts of violence took place to spread a message of peace.

The first visit will be to the site of Martin Luther King's assassination on Wednesday, the 39th anniversary of the shooting of the civil rights leader.

Michael, who purchased the piano in 2000 for ￡1.67 million, said: "The site is now home to the US's National Civil Rights Museum. The selection of this site evokes a deep sense of emotion for everyone.

"Capturing the image of this special piano on which a song of peace was composed is part of the heartbeat of this project."

There are also plans for a video documentary and photo album in aid of charity.