THE Specials have announced a show in Blackburn as part of a 31-date European tour next year.

The band featuring original members Terry Hall, Lynval Golding and Horace Panter have just announced they are to release their first album of new music for 37 years - Encore.

One of the most influential bands of the Two Tone movement in the early Eighties, the Specials had a string of hits including Ghost Town and Too Much Too Young.

Next year marks the 40th anniversary of the band forming in Coventry and also

marks 10 years since the band reformed to play a series of sold-out live tours.

The Specials play King George's Hall, Blackburn, on Tuesday, April 23. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday from 0844 847 1664 or www.kinggeorgeshall.com