Former UB40 singer Ali Campbell is to be replaced in the band by his brother Duncan, with reggae singer Maxi Priest also bolstering the line-up on tour.

Ali Campbell, who fronted the group for 30 years, quit in an acrimonious fall-out earlier this year.

Another brother, guitarist and vocalist Robin Campbell, is also a founding member and is still with the group.

Duncan said he asked for Ali's blessing to join the band, but stressed they were not otherwise on speaking terms.

"I told him if he objected strongly, I wouldn't do it," Duncan said.

'Fresh wounds'

Ali replied that he was "disappointed but didn't object", according to Robin.

"But I haven't spoken to him since," Duncan added. "The wounds are fresh."

The band are giving away a version of their new album, Twentyfourseven, with the Mail on Sunday newspaper this week.

The 10-track CD is the last work recorded with Ali Campbell.

An extended version with seven further tracks recorded since Ali's departure will go on sale in June.

It includes contributions from Maxi Priest, who will also perform with the band on tour in the UK, Europe and US later this year.

Priest is best known for his late-1980s and early-1990s hits such as Close to You and Wild World.

Source:BBC