Kaiser Chiefs co-founder Nick Hodgson has quit the band after 15 years.

The drummer, who formed the group with singer Ricky Wilson and guitarist Andrew White, announced his decision on Twitter yesterday.

"I can confirm I have left Kaiser Chiefs after 15 spectacular years. I’m moving on. I wish the rest of the band the very best!" he said on Twitter.

His bandmates also took to the social networking site to send messages of support, with bassist Simon Rix tweeting, "Good luck to Nick with his plans. I can exclusively confirm we will still be collaborating on pints in pubs."

Wilson added: "The door is on the latch and the key under the mat."

Hodgson was a drummer, backing vocalist and lyricist in the band. He has has previously worked with Duran Duran and has written songs for Shirley Bassey.