Photo: WENN

New figures show record-breaking album sales in the American music charts - from UK artists.

According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), British acts took a 13.7% share of US album sales in 2012 - compared to 11.7% the previous year.

One Direction, Adele and Mumford & Sons all made it into the top five best selling album list, with both of One Direction's album taking spots. Only one US artist made it into the list in comparison, which was Taylor Swift with her record Red.

The Wanted and Ed Sheeran also sold large numbers of albums, as did Muse.

Adele's second album, 21, has now been the best-selling album in America for two years in a row, and has now sold 10 million copies in the US. Not to be outdone, One Direction are the first British group to have both of their first two albums debut at number one in America.

Geoff Taylor, the chief executive of BPI, called it a "British invasion."

"British labels are discovering unique talent and using social media to help build fanbases right around the world, in particular in the US where fans have such an affinity for British music," Taylor said.

"Increasing our share of the US market for three years in a row is an encouraging sign for the future."

One Direction are leading the British invasion in America

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat about whether they are part of the 'invasion', Harry Styles said, "That is usually the opening question in interviews there. We're really proud to be part of this of whole thing which is seen as the British invasion.

"It just proves what's going on with British music at the moment - us, Adele, Ed Sheeran. It seems to be working over there. Good timing, I guess."