Veteran rockers Status Quo head have announced their annual UK Winter tour which will play 24 dates ending with their now traditional last night show at the Bourne-mouth International Centre two days before Christmas.

Called Pictures - 40 Years Of Hits, the tour offers Quo's army of fans the chance to experience the excitement of this seminal British rock act in live action.

Headed by twin guitar frontline of Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt, Quo are one of the world's most enduring and successful live acts.

Their driving no-nonsense brand of rock has influenced a generation of musicians and entertained millions.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Quo's first ever hit single Pictures of Matchstick Men, but after more than four decades on the road, the band show no sings of slowing down.

And 2008 will see them performing shows in at least 12 other countries before they even start their British tour.

But the band know that it is their loyal UK fans who are the bedrock on which their success has been built.

"The 2008 UK tour is going to be very special for us," says Rossi. "This year marks the 40th anniversary of Pictures Of Matchstick Men. We are going to celebrate in style - there will be lots of surprises thrown in along the way - and we want all our true fans to join us at these special shows to be part of a piece of Quo history".

Tickets are on sale now. Further information at livenation.co.uk