The Libertines drummer Gary Powell has said “morale is high” ahead of the band's reunion next week.

The group, who split in 2004, are set to perform a one-off gig in London on Wednesday (August 25), before playing the Reading and Leeds festivals.

In an interview with The Sun, Powell said rehearsals were going well for the band, particularly between bandmates Carl Barat and Pete Doherty.

"I did worry,” he said. “But it's really refreshing to see them actually talking to each other. We go to the pub after rehearsals and play snooker. Morale is high.

"It's like the last six years haven't happened."

Powell added that Doherty was “making a valid effort at sorting himself out” for the shows.

The band recently published rehearsal footage on YouTube.

The Libertines will be joined at Reading and Leeds by headliners Guns N' Roses, Arcade Fire and Blink-182.

(by Jason Gregory)