Having signed with Partyhouse Records label after a tumultuous three years, the band are writing new material and planning a tour in the new year.

Supporting the larger-than-life Buster Bloodvessel at the Waterfront, in Norwich, on December 13, is the Christmas icing on the cake for the combo which formed in 2001.

Drummer Simon Moessl, 27, said: "It is fantastic to be supporting Bad Manners because it is so difficult to get your name around.

"There's a really good feeling at the moment and we are just trying to have fun with our music."

Having originally signed with label Moonska in 2001, the band has reformed with new frontman and guitarist Chris Pidgeon.

"This is a real resurgence for us, it feels like we have reached another milestone," said Chris.

"Ska is just party music to drink and dance to. It is music that gets you moving." Bassist Ken Bodger, 27, and guitarist Jason Dye, 30, are the remaining members of the original line up, which has been revitalised by the arrival of Chris.

Chris, 23, from Brandon, said: "We are writing a lot more material which is better than anything we have done before.

"We can't wait to play it and put smiles on people's faces."

For more details about the band, visit www.myspace.com/dumpsterpop