WIRRAL band Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) have announced that they will re-release the classic singles Souvenir, Joan Of Arc, and Maid Of Orleans, from their 1981 album, Architecture and Morality, on 12" vinyl on October 15.

Released in 1981, Architecture and Morality was OMD's third genre-defying studio album. Its iconic use of the Mellotron and choral samples resulted in international critical acclaim and the album would go on to sell over 4m copies worldwide.

The three singles from the album all reached the top five in the UK singles chart and sold a total of 8m copies combined.

Founders Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys met at primary school in Meols before forming the band in 1978.

"The success of Architecture and Morality took us all by surprise," said McCluskey. "Once again, we had followed our raison d'être of changing musical style, but we seemed to have really hit upon a sound that resonated with a wide audience.

"The three singles, Souvenir, Joan of Arc, and Maid of Orleans, all went top five in the UK. To this day, they remain the 'Holy Trinity' in the middle of our live stage performances, and the audience reaction is always rapturous."

To celebrate their 40th anniversary, the band will release the hits as three 12" singles on 45 rpm coloured vinyl. The vinyl contains a triple gatefold sleeve, silver-board & emboss detail, and a download card and is available to pre-order.

OMD will also embark on a UK arena tour in November, which will see the band perform songs from Architecture and Morality, plus many more from their legendary back catalogue.

The tour will stop off at London's Eventim Apollo, and two hometown shows at the Liverpool Empire and Olympia.