Norwegian pop trio A-Ha are planning to go their separate ways at the end of next year.

In a statement released on their website, the band said: "We've literally lived the ultimate boy's adventure tale, through a longer, more rewarding career than anyone could hope for.

"Doing this now will give us a chance to get more involved in other meaningful aspects of life, be it humanitarian work, politics, or whatever else - and of course through new constellations in the field of art and music.

"We are retiring as a band, not as individuals."

However, the band will still tour for the next 13 months, culminating in a farewell concert on December 4 next year in Oslo.