BOURNEMOUTH-BASED blues band The Producers have announced they are to split.

The band, voted Best British Blues Band for the last two years by Blueprint magazine, will be going their separate ways at the end of the year, after a decade together.

According to band member Dave Saunders, the group is splitting because of the work and family commitments of lead guitarist Harry Skinner.

"I wasn't very happy about the news at first, but I've got used to it now," said Dave.

The group's last gig will be on New Year's Eve at the Central Hotel in Parkstone.

In the meantime, you can see them at the Quay Arts, Newport, IoW, on Friday, and The Brook, Southampton, on July 27.

For tickets for The Brook, call 023 8055 5366.