I WAS sad to read that former UB40 singer Ali Campbell was recently declared bankrupt.

He joined sax player Brian Travers, drummer Jimmy Brown, trumpeter Terence Oswald and percussionist Norman Hassan who were declared bankrupt at Birmingham Crown Court.

The group were formed in the Midlands in 1978, and achieved worldwide hits with anthems that included Red Red Wine, Food For Thought and I Got You Babe.

I realise that times are currently financially hard for many people, but for a band that has achieved 40 hit singles and 23 chart albums in the UK alone, including compilation releases, most people would think that they would be comfortably off. Whatever the reason, I hope that UB40 can pull through this mess, as it is such a shame to see such a successful band a struggle.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington.