POP star Pete Doherty's stay in Marlborough has coincided with a significant period in his life.

The Babyshambles lead singer/songwriter revealed last week he has been off hard drugs for the longest period in eight years and has been reconciled with his father.

On BBC Radio 4's Front Row programme last Thursday he spoke about the therapy he had undergone at Clouds House clinic in Wiltshire.

He said: "This is the first time I've been clean for seven weeks in eight years. I'm not going to lie and say it's not been a struggle. It is.

"I have had a bit of trouble with complete abstinence. I've had the odd Guinness. But I'm quite proud, particularly for my mum and dad. It's been a big change in their life."

Asked if he had been writing while in rehab, Mr Doherty replied: "They didn't encourage me to write songs. I was only allowed to take in two books. They call it isolating.

"My mattress was bulging with all the stuff I wasn't supposed to have with me."

Mr Doherty added: "My dad has welcomed me back into the fold. I can go back home and actually talk to him. We hadn't spoken for three years.

"He came in for family therapy at the rehab centre. It was quite an emotional time."

Mr Doherty and his new girlfriend, Irina Lazareanu, have been seen around and about in Marlborough and went on fairground rides at the Mop Fair on Saturday.

Later the same day, Mr Doherty was playing at the Thekla nightclub in Bristol, where more than 500 people crammed into the converted cargo ship.

In contrast to the gig he performed at the Sun Inn in Marlborough the weekend before, Mr Doherty was more downbeat and some of his fans were disappointed.

Mr Doherty and Miss Lazareanu are staying at a lodge beside the main home of media millionaire Ralph Bernard in Cross Lane, Marlborough.

Neighbour Barbara Hunt said: "He's been the perfect neighbour. You would hardly know he was there.

"I was a bit worried when I heard he was going to be coming to stay opposite, but, in fact, there has been no problem at all."