UK artists claimed 12.2% of US albums in 2014, with Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay and One Direction all helping boost British music across the pond.

The proportion of British albums across all LPs in North America was up from 10.4% in 2013 and has risen steadily since 2009 when it stood at 9.6%, according to Nielsen Music.

The figure also represents a 4.1% rise since 2005 when UK artists' share stood at 8.1%.

Sam Smith (pictured) topped the list ...