Russell Brand has been slammed by an anti-drugs campaign group after joking that heroin could save the music industry.

The controversial comedian this week remarked that the world would be spared "awful" songs if the killer drug was used to 'weed out' young stars like Justin Bieber.

Brand's comments have now provoked a hostile response from David Raynes, a spokesperson for the Drug Prevention Alliance. Raynes has said, "This is mindless idiocy. It smacks of a desperate attention seeking from Brand. It's just ridiculous. You despair of these people - why would anyone say that?"

However, the 34-year-old was defended by the anti-drug and alcohol charity Focus 12, of which he is a patron. Focus 12's chief executive Chip Somers said, "Russell has always been an ardent supporter of the work we do helping to get people off drugs. His support has enabled the charity to continue over the last two years when he has donated more than £100,000."