SOUTHAMPTON-based chart toppers Artful Dodger have announced they are to split up, following a five-year partnership that has seen them achieve huge success.

Mark Hill, 28, and Pete Devereux, 29, who are both from Shirley, are recognised as being at the forefront of the UK Garage music scene, and have scored a number of successes, including five top ten hits and a platinum selling debut album.

They are also responsible for bringing the multi-million selling Craig David, also from Southampton, to the public's attention with the collaboration single Re-Rewind (When The Crowd Say Bo Selecta).

They followed up that success with tunes written and recorded at their own Off the Wharf recording studios in Ocean Village. Hits included: What You Gonna Do? Woman Trouble, Movin' Too Fast, and Please Don't Turn Me On.

Last year the band were up for four nominations at the UK MOBO Awards as well as picking up an gong for Producer of the Year, and have also been given an Ivor Novello Award for their songwriting.

The duo's record label, London Records, described the split as amicable and are suggesting the possibility of a reunion, after tentatively scheduling a new album for release next summer.

The band are due to headline the Essential Festival 2001 on Saturday at the Hackney Marshes in London.