GWENT'S very own Steps tribute band have revealed they will not be splitting up following their inspirations' shock decision this week.

Teen pop sensations Steps yesterday announced they were calling it a day after five years at the top of the charts.

But Gwent cover band Step To It, (pictured) who have been performing hits such as Tragedy, Better Best Forgotten and One For Sorrow around the UK, have vowed to carry on playing their music.

Jason O'Ryan, Step To It's manager, said: "We would like to reassure all our fans that we will not be following in the footsteps of Steps by splitting up.

"Following conversations with representatives of the Steps camp we were informed that they were all still friends, they said they had heard of us as one of the best Steps tribute bands they had heard and wish us all the very best of luck."

Step To It have been together for two years, and played sell out shows around the country, recently winning an award for the best Steps tribute band.

The original band members, Faye, Claire, Lisa, H and Lee, released a statement on Wednesday, announcing their split after five years at the top of the pop charts. The band's Abba-esque hits, easy-to-learn dance moves and squeaky-clean image won them millions of young fans.

They have sold over 12 million singles, had 15 chart hits, and this year became one of just a handful of acts to have 12 consecutive singles in the top five of the charts. The band's statement gave "heartfelt thanks" to their fans, and said: "After five incredible years we have decided it is time to move on to new challenges.

"We have always said that when the time came we would leave as good friends and go out while we were on top, and although we are very sad, that is what we have done."

Mr O'Ryan added that anyone missing Steps could see Step To It playing their favourite band's classic singles on May 18, when they are scheduled to perform at the Newport Centre.