Rock band Travis are dropping out of next month's V2002 festival because of drummer Neil Primrose's spinal injury.

The 30-year-old hurt himself diving into a swimming pool in Belfort, eastern France earlier this month while the Scottish band were on tour.

Doctors have told him he is expected to make a full recovery - but added that he must not drum for at least eight weeks to avoid aggravating the injury.

The Chemical Brothers will move from the festival's second stage to replace Travis as main stage headliners at the split-site event, which takes place at Weston Park, Staffordshire and Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex on 17 and 18 August.

The Chemical Brothers join the Stereophonics as headliners

In a statement, Travis said: "While we are extremely disappointed not to be appearing at this year's V2002 festival, we feel under the circumstances it would be wholly inappropriate to replace Neil while he continues to recover.

"After weeks of uncertainty, we are relieved to learn that Neil is expected to make a full recovery. We are sure Travis fans will agree that without Neil Primrose, Travis are incomplete."

Improvement

Primrose was knocked unconscious on 7 July when he dived into the pool and struck his head while the band were relaxing after performing at a festival in Belmont. He had to be dragged out of the pool by friends.

He suffered multiple fractures in his vertebrae and underwent surgery on 11 July, and was flown back to the UK by air ambulance last week.

Primrose thanked fans for their best wishes

Primrose is now said to be showing a "better than expected" improvement.

In the statement, he said he was "feeling sad" not to be performing at V2002.

He added: "I would like to send lots of love and thanks to everyone for their recent wishes of good will.

"The good news is, hopefully a full recovery can be achieved over the next few months."

V2002 director Bob Angus said the festival's organisers "wish Neil well in his recovery".

He also said the festival had secured "a huge act" to replace the Chemical Brothers on the second stage, whose name would be announced next week.