Drinkers at an East London pub were left stunned when Damon Albarn joined the band they were watching to sing one of Blur's biggest hits.

The 46-year-old singer, musician and songwriter popped into the Red Lion in Leytonstone last week and performed Parklife with cockney band The Gents.

"It was a regular gig, Wednesday night down the boozer, and he wandered in," singer Kristian Cockburn explained to the BBC.

And he insisted that the performance had actually been Damon's idea, adding: "He suggested it. He was so game for it."

Damon - who is currently promoting his solo material - was reportedly rehearsing nearby in advance of some planned live shows.