Overall Singles Sales Smash British Record In 2008

A total of 115million singles were bought in the UK last year - a new record.

The final number, up 33% on the year before, combines physical sales and digital downloads.

The previous record was set in 1976, when a total of 89million singles were sold in 12 months.

The 2008 figures, which were boosted by several high profile releases from the likes of Coldplay and Take That, show the dramatic impact that legally acquired digital downloads have had on record sales in the UK.

In 2003, when the medium was still in its infancy, only 30million singles were bought by British music fans.