It has been revealed that last year (2012) saw UK artists enjoy their biggest ever share of the U.S. album sales.

New figures from British Phonographic Industry (BPI) have proven that UK acts earned a 13.7 per cent share of sales in America, up two per cent from 2011, and it's thanks to the likes of One Direction, Adele and Mumford & Sons.

BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor explained that the 'British invasion' has done wonders for album sales in the USA:

"It's officially a new British Invasion. British labels are discovering unique talent and using social media to help build fanbases right around the world, in particular in the US, where fans have such an affinity for British music."

He added: "Increasing our share of the US market for three years in a row is an encouraging sign for the future. It's an exciting time to be part of the British music industry - as a country we can be very proud of our artists and of the British music companies who invest in them."

Referring to his band's popularity stateside, One Direction's Harry Styles said: "That is usually the opening question in interviews there. We're really proud to be part of this of whole thing which is seen as the British invasion. It just proves what's going on with British music at the moment - us, Adele, Ed Sheeran. It seems to be working over there. Good timing, I guess."

Watch the newly released trailer for One Direction's forthcoming 3D movie below: