Pete Doherty has started doing Tai Chi in preparation for The Libertines' reunion this summer.

The singer said he had taken up the meditative martial art in a bid to find serenity and help him relax.

“Tai Chi is great for me,” he is quoted as telling The Metro newspaper. “It’s all about balance and serenity.”

Doherty, who has a history of drug problems, conceded that it was difficult to escape his past.

“Any addict will tell you every day is like a running battle,” he said.

“But I’m dead happy at the moment, in spite of myself I suppose, because I’m quite a miserable sod.”

Doherty will join former bandmates Carl Barat, Gary Powell and John Hassall when The Libertines reunite for the Reading and Leeds festival in August.

As previously reported, the band performed an impromptu gig in London last week to celebrate their reformation.

(by Jason Gregory)