Sir Paul McCartney has hired The Beatles' producer Sir George Martin's son to work on his new album.

The 71-year-old star has appointed Giles Martin - whose father produced nearly all of Paul's former group's records and was often referred to as ''The Fifth Beatle'' - to help give his new album a modern pop feel. He has also teamed up with Adele's producer Paul Epworth and Sir Tom Jones collaborator Ethan Johns.

A source told The Sun newspaper: ''Paul's team are very excited about the album. They hope it will take him back to the top of the pop charts. The people working with him certainly know how to do that.''

As well as the trio of stars, Paul has worked with Mark Ronson on three tracks, and the music producer - who has previously collaborated with the likes of Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen - was impressed with the music legend's ''incredible'' ideas.

Mark said: He's done every kind of music ... I don't know if [our stuff] is revolutionary, but they're brilliant songs. I just tried to give him a sound he was looking for. You take a master class in production, like harmonies and layering sounds and arrangement. His ideas are just incredible.''

Paul's forthcoming album - a follow up to last year's 'Kisses on the Bottom' - is expected to be released before the end of the year.