The past and present stars of UB40 are locked in a battle over the band's name after three former members reunited to begin recording again.

The reggae group's former frontman Ali Campbell, who quit in 2008, has re-teamed with Mickey Virtue and Astro, who exited last year, to record a new album and play a number of concert dates this year.

A spokesperson for the reunited members told fans "the three founding members (are) back together, performing and recording as UB40 once more".

The news has infuriated the current line-up of the group, which features five remaining founding members including Ali's guitarist brother Robin Campbell, and Duncan Campbell, who took over vocals from his sibling.

The musicians have now declared they are taking legal advice in a bid to settle a dispute over the band's name, saying in a statement:

"We are outraged at this latest desperate attempt by our former band mates to hijack UB40's brand name, business and legacy... Ali has repeatedly attempted to discredit his brothers and former band mates, through the media and otherwise, but this latest attempt to confuse and manipulate UB40's fans is, frankly, pathetic.
 
We are disappointed that he feels it necessary to behave in this way and equally disappointed that Astro has joined with him... As for Ali, Mickey and Astro, the matter is now in the hands of our lawyers".