Sir Paul McCartney has been rehearsing at London's O2 Arena ahead of the start of his Up and Coming tour, it's been reported.

The former Beatle has apparently been using the 18,000-capacity venue in preparation for the opening US leg, reports The Sun.

The jaunt will see Sir Paul play dates across the US before heading to the UK for a series of stadium dates.

The veteran singer will also make headlining appearances at the Isle of Wight festival and Wireless festival in London in June.

Sir Paul said recently that he and his band were “really excited” about bring their tour back to a “home crowd”.

Tickets for the tour are on sale now.

Sir Paul McCartney's UK and Ireland dates are:

• Dublin, RDS Stadium – June 12
• Isle of Wight Festival – 13
• Glasgow, Hampden Park – 20
• Cardiff, Millennium Stadium – 26
• London, Hyde Park Calling – 27

(by Jason Gregory)