The Long Blondes announce split

The Long Blondes performing at Glastonbury earlier in the summer

The Long Blondes have split up after five years together.

The Sheffield band have ended their career after guitarist Dorian Cox suffered a stroke over the summer.

Writing on the five-piece's official website he wrote: "We have decided to call it a day."

The band, who released two albums Someone To Drive You Home and Couples during their short tenure, are due to bring out Singles, a collection of early songs, on 27 October.

His message went on: "The main reason for this (split) is that I suffered from a stroke in June and unfortunately I do not know when/if I will be well enough to play guitar again.

The main reason for this (split) is that I suffered from a stroke in June and unfortunately I do not know when/if I will be well enough to play guitar again Dorian Cox The Long Blondes guitarist

"On behalf of the band I'd like to say a big thank you to anyone who ever came to one of our shows, bought one of our records or danced to one of our songs in a club.

"Thank you, if it wasn't for you the whole thing would have been pointless.

"Finally on a personal note, thanks for all your well wishing messages."

The Long Blondes scored two top 30 singles with Weekend Without Make Up and Once And Never Again.