STOURBRIDGE rockers Ned's Atomic Dustbin are reforming with their original line-up for a major London gig.

The five-piece split in 1994 after a string of chart hits and sold out shows around the world during a career which began in 1987.

The band got back together in 2000 with Andy King and Martin Warlow from Wolverhampton's Now Assassin standing in for the absent Mat and Rat on bass and guitar.

After an approach from their former record label, Sony/BMG, for ideas about for a compilation album, meetings between the original band members evolved into a rehearsal which proved time had not faded the group's enthusiasm.

Ned's frontman, Jonn Penney, said: "After five minutes the old banter returned and it was like the last 13 years had never happened."

Jonn says the deaths of old friends from the Ned's heyday, including The Wonder Stuff's Martin Gilks, also provided an inspiration for the reunion.

Jonn said: "Events over recent years, where we have lost people, alerted us to the fact your never know what is round the corner and we may not get the chance again."

Ned's Atomic Dustbin will be on stage at the London Astoria on Saturday December 6.