Pop legend Cliff Richard has decided to give himself some rest over the next 12 months.

The 71-year-old insists he's chosen to take the break because he has completed four treks since the start of 2009, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

In a video message posted on his Facebook page, he says, "I do wish all of you well for the new year. I don't know if I'm going to be able to see you in concert (in 2012). I'll probably be able to do a television (gig) or two if there's any offers in that direction.

"As you know, I have done four tours in three years and I felt like I was overdoing it. Not for me so much, I like doing them, but I felt I was asking too much of you, the fans, coming out and buying tickets and stuff.

"I've given this year a time to be off. So I'm not going to be that busy."