Hear'Say make history with double Number 1

Hear'Say have become the first British band to top the single and album charts simultaneously with debut releases.

The group sold 306,631 copies of its album, called Popstars, during its first six days.

The quintet also held on to the number one spot in the singles chart.

The only other band to get to number one with its debut single and album were US band Hanson.

Hear'Say smashed another record by clocking up the biggest first week sales for a debut album. A group spokesman said the band had shifted more albums this week than the rest of the top 10 put together.

He said the band members are celebrating their double success by taking a couple of weeks of well-earned rest.

"The band are ecstatic, they found out earlier today. It's a great way to end the last few weeks.

"It keeps getting better, that's what they were saying, they can't believe it."

He added: "They are all going back home this week and will be taking a couple of weeks off. They've all got their own plans."