ELBOW have announced that drummer Richard Jupp is leaving the band after 25 years.

The internationally-renowned band, who first played together at St Anne’s Church Hall in Tottington, issued a statement on their website last weekend to confirm his departure.

It said: "elbow have announced today that drummer Richard Jupp is to leave the band to concentrate on a number of creative projects including plans to further expand his drum school which will involve workshops across the UK.

"Richard will also continue to support the charities that he is involved with. Having been a member of elbow since the beginning 25 years ago, Guy, Pete, Mark and Craig wish Jupp every success in his new ventures.

"The band are currently writing tracks for their seventh studio album, due for release in 2017."