Europeans buy more Brit-made albums

French and Germans are buying increasing numbers of albums by British artists, new figures have revealed.

The latest statistics from the British Phonographic Institute show UK releases last year accounted for one in five records shifted in Germany and one in ten in France.

They are the best results in four years and represent a 5.2 per cent rise in Germany and 0.5 per cent rise to the French.

The figures have also seen The Beatles make their biggest contribution to exports since they split up 30 years ago.

Last year's Love release contains tracks remixed by their ex-producer Sir George Martin.

Geoff Taylor, BPI chief executive, said: "The fact that UK labels are gaining an increasing share of these major international markets demonstrates the diversity and quality of new British artists."

Foreigners' favourites:

Germany

1. Piece By Piece - Katie Melua
2. Back To Bedlam - James Blunt
3. Rudebox - Robbie Williams
4. Love - The Beatles
5. Greatest Hits - Robbie Williams
6. X&Y - Coldplay
7. Intensive Care - Robbie Williams
8. Another Cup - Yusuf Islam
9. The Best of Depeche Mode - Depeche Mode
10. Playing the Angel - Depeche Mode

France

1. Back To Bedlam - James Blunt
2. Intensive Care - Robbie Williams
3. Black Holes & Revelations - Muse
4. Love - The Beatles
5. Meds - Placebo
6. Piece By Piece - Katie Melua
7. Chasing Time - James Blunt
8. X&Y - Coldplay
9. These Streets - Paolo Nutini
10. Rudebox - Robbie Williams