Equipment seized from Babyshambles by a local council after noise complaints is set to be given away a London based youth charity.

The instruments, including two guitars, a bass guitar, three amps, a drum kit, a harmonica, a melodica and a speaker, were seized by Islington council during a gig at the Duke of Clarence in 2005.

The equipment has since been in storage after not being claimed back but now will be given to the council's EC1 Music Project which is aimed at children between the ages of 8 to 19.

Jan Hart, Islington Council's assistant director for public protection, said of the seizure: "It was the only way of stopping the nuisance to our neighbours, which is our top priority.

"Now it's going to a good home and will help young people just starting out with music."

Former Babyshambles member, Patrick Walden has also agreed to hold a workshop for the project in return for one of his guitars.

Walden said of his involvement in the project: "It's a very positive environment and I'm looking forward to working with the young people.”

(by Daniel Melia)