Snow Patrol have announced that they are to continue without bassist and founding member Mark McClelland.

Following an excellent year in 2004 with breakthrough album Final Straw the Glasgow-based band have announced that Mark's departure is a result of "unexpected pressures".

A statement on the band's website reads: "Following a life-changing year in 2004, Snow Patrol found themselves under a whole set of new and unexpected pressures. These pressures have unfortunately taken their toll on working relationships within the band, and it was felt that that Snow Patrol could not move forward with Mark as a member.

???Coming to this decision was the hardest thing the remaining band members have ever faced, it was reached with much regret. The band have not appointed a new member, and are currently in rural Ireland writing the follow up to Final Straw."

With their anthemic single Run the band were the big winners at last month's Meteor Awards, taking the prizes for best Irish band and album.