splitting up a file that has two columns

hello, I have the following file; item1:345 item2:12344 item3:872 item4:331 ... I need to read in the file and be able to assign the first column to a var and the second column to a var from a loop. I can read in the entire lines OK, but having trouble splitting up the lines (using explode) to the individule var's. any ideas D.T. ________________________________________________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY This e-mail and any attachments are confidential and may also be privileged. If you are not the intended recipient(s) please note that any distribution, copying or use of this communication or the information in it is strictly prohibited.If you are not the named recipient(s), please notify the sender immediately and do not disclose the contents to another person, use it for any purpose, or store or copy the information in any medium. > ************