One Direction's 'Midnight Memories' was named the UK's best selling album of 2013 - but it seems its figures are low compared to previous years.

The album, which was released on November 25, enjoyed a late surge to shift an impressive 700,000 copies in its five weeks on sale.

This meant that it toppled Emeli Sandé's 2012 effort 'Our Version of Events' in the top selling record of 2013 stakes.

However, it has been revealed that 'Midnight Memories' is the worst selling end of year No.1 record of the last two decades.

In contrast, Adele's 2011 album '21' for example sold 3.8 million units in its maiden year whilst Take That's 'Progress' shifted 1.8 million copies in 2010.

Retailers meanwhile believe that a sub-standard album release schedule in 2013 hampered overall sales figures in the UK.