SHED SEVEN, York's most successful band, have announced they are to split.

The band have said their imminent national tour will be their last.

"The split does not come without a great deal of thought by the whole of the band.

We have taken the decision together and fully agree that the time is right to move on," said frontman Rick Witter.

The decision will still come as a shock to Shed Seven's loyal army of fans.

The band had suffered from criticism from some parts of the media, but had evolved into a successful live act, with tours playing to sold-out venues across the country. They said the final tour would be one to remember.

Rick added: "We will make a special effort to play what people want to hear. This means all the obvious faves plus some lost gems that we perhaps haven't played in a long time."

The band's first single was the double A side Mark/Casino Girl. They won acclaim for their debut album Changegiver, but will perhaps be best remembered for later hits such as Going For Gold, Chasing Rainbows and Disco Down.

Fan Matt Hallam, 27, of Clementhorpe, has followed the band since their earliest gigs.

"They will be missed by a lot of people," he said.

Fibbers boss Tim Hornsby said: "Despite a lack of support from certain areas they could tour and fill thousand capacity venues. Of all the Britpop era bands they emerged with some of the best songs and some of the best musicianship."

Full interview with Rick Witter in Saturday's Evening Press.

Updated: 15:58 Friday, October 24, 2003