FORMER Verve front-man Richard Ashcroft is set to call in on the region this spring as part of a UK tour.

The singer is taking to the road to promote his third solo album - Keys To The World - which is out on Monday and follows on from November 2002's Human Conditions.

Ashcroft found fame with the British indie rockers The Verve, who enjoyed success in the 90s with hits including Bittersweet Symphony, The Drugs Don't Work and Lucky Man.

Since his last release he has had a second child with wife Kate and signed to Parlophone after the disintegration of Hut, the label he had been with since he made his recording debut in 1992.

And one of the pinnacles of his career to date was his appearance at last year's Live 8 with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, where he performed Verve classic Bittersweet Symphony, aired to an audience of millions worldwide.

Fans can catch him at Birmingham's Academy on Monday, May 15.

Tickets are due to go on sale today and are available by calling 0870 771 2000.