The Colours were already ringing the changes by the time Big Ben dinged its last dong on New Year’s Eve.

The band announced over Christmas that guitarist and founder member Henry Harding was leaving the band to pursue other interests, ensuring a change of direction for The Colours in 2008.

The band now intend to carry on as a three-piece, rather than become tangled in a battle to replace their departed founder member.

“There was no falling out, it’s just a case of moving on and trying something different,” Henry said.

His own take on the decision is aired in his final Colours Column (left) and Tom Pickford (lead singer), Tom Newman (bass) and Tony Folland (drums) will continue life as a trio.

Local promoters Black and White, who recently took over promotion of the band, said: “With Henry’s departure, the band will continue in a slightly new direction in 2008.

“Over the last year the band has built on a solid fanbase with relentless gigging in the south at nationally known venues. Our plan is to help the band make significant strides forward in 2008 by breaking onto the national scene.”

During a busy 2007, The Colours also secured prestigious support slots for the likes of The Wombats, Dan le sac Vs Sroobius Pip, Boy Kill Boy, Zoot Woman, Infadels and Blackbud.

Their single, Something New, is available to download on iTunes, along with 2006’s hit debut EP, Aurora Borealis, which repeatedly sold out locally in HMV stores.