James Arthur is leading the race for this year's Christmas No.1 single.

The X Factor winner released the track 'Impossible' after reigning supreme on the show recently (December 9).

It immediately hit No.1 in the UK charts, becoming the fastest selling single in the country of 2012.

The Official Charts Company has revealed that it has sold 3,000 more copies this week than nearest rival and bookies' favourite The Justice Collective, who have recorded a Hillsborough disaster charity single.

Arthur's track, meanwhile, will see profits head towards children's charity Together For Short Lives.

Speaking about the Christmas No.1 race, Official Charts Company Managing Director Martin Talbot said:

"While James Arthur has an early lead over The Justice Collective after just two days of sales, it is exceptionally tight – especially with Christmas gift purchases likely to impact on both releases as the week progresses. It looks like being an extremely exciting race for this year's Official Christmas Number 1."