Pete Doherty starts recording his first solo album

Rocker Pete Doherty has started working on his first solo album.

The Babyshambles frontman has reportedly penned 12 tracks for the new album, and has already recorded three of them during secret late night studio sessions with producer Jake Foir.

Foir said: "We're recording it between two studios in London.

"We go in for two or three hours at a time, usually at about two in the morning, and get stuff down.

"It sounds slower and more intimate than Babyshambles. Pete's writing is more universal, rather than about personal experiences."

However, Foir insists that 28-year-old Pete's solo project has the blessing of his Babyshambles bandmates - and they are all likely to make an appearance on the album.

However, the band's record label, Parlophone aren't happy about about the secret recording sessions.

Foir added to NME magazine: "We plan to finish recording the album then present it to Parlophone when it is ready to release, but they aren't very happy about Pete working outside their control."

Despite Pete's recent drugs relapse, Foir said that Doherty is "on top form".

Doherty was filmed on two separate occasions injecting heroin and snorting cocaine just weeks after being released from rehab.

Foir said: "I just spent a weekend with him. Just me, him and the cats!

"He's on top form out there in a 28-room mansion in Wiltshire - it's very 60s-style and cool. He's doing well."