Pete Doherty takes up bowls-style sport pétanque as he enjoys life in France

FORMER junkie rocker Pete Doherty has become hooked again — on the leisurely bowls-style sport of pétanque.

Libertines frontman Doherty, 42, joins locals in a club side for a game in the French village he calls home.

They split into teams at a gravel court to play — with the aim of lobbing metal balls as close as possible to a target ball, or jack.

Podgy Doherty, who has quit drugs but still enjoys a drink, lives in Melun, near Paris, with girlfriend Katia de Vidas.

One local said: “Peter is no longer a bad boy. He’s relaxing, settling down and loving the goods things in life.

“We introduced him to pétanque and he’s fallen in love with the game. He often joins our club nights when we play.”

Dad-of-two Doherty, who once dated supermodel Kate Moss, is also said to have developed a taste for a local pastry in the village.

Mikael Grondin, who runs the bakery, said: “He is always popping in for a bag of Bout de Choux (creamy little cabbage), which is a pastry filled with cream.

“Maybe that’s why he’s put on weight but, don’t worry, these will be good for him.”