BRITNEY Spears is to launch a bid to regain full custody of her children in time for Christmas.

The pop star, who has suffered mental breakdowns, will start proceedings to bring her two young sons home after playing the final date of her eight-month world tour next month.

Britney is supported by her father Jamie, who is still in charge of her financial affairs.

A source close to the singer said yesterday: “He believes she’s ready and his support is likely to carry weight with the judge.”

Only months ago, Los Angeles Superior Court awarded Britney, 27, temporary joint custody of Sean Preston, four, and Jayden James, three, with her ex-husband Kevin Federline,

This allowed her to take them with her on the European leg of her tour and the source added: “Jamie is convinced that having the boys travel with her has given Britney the strength to be successful again.”

Federline, 31, is unlikely to oppose Britney’s legal bid, according to a friend of his yesterday, “as long as he is granted full visitation rights”.

The friend added: “Like her parents, he’s been impressed by Britney’s incredible comeback.”

She has bounced back from an 18-month “meltdown” which twice landed her in hospital psychiatric units, as well as rehab, last year.

Britney is expected to earn £22million this year, according to Forbes Magazine, and is named as 13th on a “world’s most-powerful celebrity” list, which she had previously dropped off.

Jamie Spears may also be ready to relinquish his financial control.

She is likely to continue to pay Federline £25,000 a month for staff when Sean and Jayden visit.

A source close to her family dismissed reports that she has accused him of “bad parenting” because “he cusses a lot and they’ve picked up a few choice words”. He added: “If all goes to plan, Sean and Jayden should be with her for Christmas.”

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