Pop singer Britney Spears has lost her bid to regain custody of her two young sons at a court hearing held yesterday. A judge ordered that 2-year-old Sean Preston and 1-year-old Jayden James stay in the sole care of the singer's ex-husband Kevin Federline. Spears was, however, granted monitored visitation rights during the hearing. AdvertisementEarlier this week, Spears was ordered to hand the two children over to Federline after she allegedly failed to comply with a court order requesting that she produce a valid driving licence and agree to random drug and alcohol tests.

After yesterday's hearing, Federline's lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan told the media that the judge had granted Spears visitation rights, subject to certain conditions. Court spokesperson Allan Parachini said that the children's mother would be monitored during her visits, which would probably take place every other day.

A further hearing is due to take place on 26 October, with both Spears and Federline required to attend. Meanwhile, television therapist Dr Phil McGraw has offered to help the couple during their custody battle. His spokesperson said: "He would be prepared to offer whatever help he could provide."