Simon Cowell has taken time to praise One Direction after the group won a worldwide sales award.

The lads were named Global Recording Artists of 2013 by the IFPI, who represent the worldwide recording industry.

They took into account physical sales and digital sales, as well as hits from online platforms such as YouTube and Spotify, to name the 'Kiss You' band as the most popular music act of the last year.

Cowell, who oversaw the formation of One Direction on the UK X Factor 2010, congratulated the group on their win on Twitter by saying:

"So one direction were the biggest selling artists in 2013. I know how much they put into this record from start to finish. Very proud. And I also want to thank the other writers the producers the team at syco modest their management and sony worldwide. And.....

"I have said it before and will say it again...the greatest group of fans. Why can't there be an award for the best fans at the Grammys. Or the Brits? It seems crazy they don't. Is there a reason?"