The English Beat have become the latest group to turn to fans to help fund a new album.

The Mirror in the Bathroom hitmakers, led by Dave Wakeling, have launched a new PledgeMusic campaign to pay for recording costs for their latest project, For Crying Out Loud.

And the initiative is already looking like a huge success - 58 per cent of the funds needed have been raised with 30 days to go.

Donors will receive copies of the completed album, T-shirts and lyric sheets, while those offering up over $1,000 (£590) will get the chance to actually tour with the band.

Ten per cent of all funds raised will benefit the charity Doctors Without Borders.

Launching the campaign, frontman Wakeling wrote: "I am the most excited anyone has ever been about our PledgeMusic campaign! I have always enjoyed interacting with the band's fans, and this Pledge campaign provides us with a tremendous opportunity for even greater hi jinks and connection.

"The songs have been hand picked from a cauldron of passion, cuddled for endless nights, then tested for connectivity in front of selected crowds, and are now ready to be fully realized and revealed! I would be as pleased as punch if you would join us on this journey."