Chart-topping act Westlife are to split "amicably" after 14 years and 26 top ten hits, they have announced. The Irish group will bow out following a farewell tour this year and said they are looking forward to "new ventures". Over the course of their career the group has achieved 14 number one hits.

In a statement the group said: "Over the years Westlife has become so much more to us than just a band. Westlife are a family." The group - for many years managed by Louis Walsh - survived the departure of one of its founding members Bryan McFadden, and continue seamlessly as a four-piece. They produced hit after hit, with singles such as Swear It Again and Flying Without Wings among their number ones.

Many of their big hits over the years were cover versions and they capitalised on a swing revival by recording a Rat Pack-style album Allow Us To Be Frank. Members Feehily, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne are due to release a greatest hits album shortly. They said they had "countless memories that we will forever cherish" from their years together. The highly talented band will be coming to Manchester on the 26th May and 9th June 2012.