Major label deal for Babyshambles

The band have played a series of impromptu gigs in London this week

Pete Doherty's band, Babyshambles, has secured a long-term deal with record label Parlophone.

The move follows the success of the group's The Blinding EP, which was released by the company in December.

"We're extremely pleased to be welcoming such a vibrant and talented band into the Parlophone label," said managing director Miles Leonard.

Babyshambles previously scored top ten hits with Killamangiro and Albion on the cult label Rough Trade.

In a statement, the group said it was "thrilled to have signed this deal and look forward to a long, fruitful, and creative relationship".

Parlophone has cultivated some of the UK's most successful rock acts, including Coldplay and Radiohead.

"We see Babyshambles very much as continuing this tradition," said Leonard.

"They have a great reputation for crafting some of the most exciting music around today, and in Peter Doherty they have one of the best songwriters of his generation."

The band have played a series of gigs in London this week.