The number of UK females downloading music has risen 10% in the last year, according to a new poll from Music Choice.

The survey of 45,000 Europeans, including 8,000 Brits, suggests that downloading amongst UK males has only risen 5% over the same period. Women are also more frequent downloaders, with 20% purchasing over 20 tracks a month, compared to 18% of men.

Overall, the percentage of people downloading in the UK has grown from 31% to 40% since 2004. Only Germany (69%) and Norway (62%) rank higher in Europe.

Simon George, marketing director at Music Choice, said: "The download phenomenon has advanced rapidly over the past year and is fast becoming a commonplace method for purchasing music, with two or five Brits now downloading regularly."