Accrington X Factor star Reece Bibby has hailed the ‘best year’ of his life after his band Stereo Kicks announced they are going their separate ways.

The eight-piece boy band, who were created on the talent show last year by head judge Simon Cowell, claim they are like a ‘family’ but that being an unsigned act is ‘tough’ and they can no longer carry on.

The boys said they now plan to ‘continue their journeys individually’.

Following the announcement an army of avid fans took to Twitter to get them back together with the hash tag #WeWantStereoKicksSigned trending in the UK.

Former Hollins Technology College pupil Reece tweeted to his 146,000 followers: “I’ve had the best year of my life this past year. All because of you and 7 lads.

“I will never forget SK. Thankyou all.”

Stereo Kicks made the shock announcement over the weekend and are now set for their final performance together at Thorpe Park on Saturday, July 25.

In a statement, they said: “We all feel the time has come for us to now continue our journeys individually.

“We have learnt first-hand just how tough the industry is as an unsigned act. Unfortunately, due to these circumstances, we are no longer able to carry on as a band.

“Please understand that there is nothing more that you could have done and that this is a situation completely beyond both your control and ours.

“We have considered endless ways of how we might try to make this work, but it is logistically impossible for us to continue as Stereo Kicks.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we will be forever grateful for all of your hard work, support and love. We can’t thank you enough.

“Stereo kicks has been, and always will be, a HUGE part of our lives. We still remain the BEST of friends and will continue to support each other in everything we do.

“The experience we have had is truly indescribable and it is mostly down to YOU! Our fans! “Without your support and loyalty, we wouldn’t have achieved half of what we have…….. you really have been the BEST FANS EVER!!

The group’s debut single ‘Love Me So’ was released last month which got to number 30 in the Official Singles Chart.

The Observer reported last week that Reece, 16, is now dating Noel Gallagher’s daughter Anais.