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After splitting acrimoniously in 2004 following huge success, Pete Doherty and his former musical partner Carl Barat seem to have buried the hatchet and are reforming The Libertines. The pair, along with ex-band mates John Hassler and Gary Powell, were spotted enjoying a drink in London last weekend to celebrate.

So far, the band have only committed to a headlining slot at this summer's Reading and Leeds festivals in August. However it is though that this will be just the start of a period of new activity for The Libertines. "They have agreed to play at Reading and Leeds,” said a source close to the band. "If it works out they will consider writing new material. The four of them only agreed to it after a secret rehearsal to see if it still worked. Carl is nervous about the reunion because he is worried Pete could let him down again. But Pete's promised he will give his all for the gigs."

It was Doherty's much-publicised drug abuse that forced The Libertines to fall apart six years ago, but with the band at the height of their success, a sense of unfinished business has always lingered. Initially Docherty was sacked from the group leaving the three remaining members to limp on and completed a UK tour, before splitting properly.

Carl Barat then went on to form Dirty Pretty Things while Doherty embarked on a solo career. The pair have performed on stage together three times since the split and last May, Pete, Carl and Gary were reunited for a show at London's Rhythm Factory. However they have not performed as the original four piece since the 2004 split.