Coldplay first to top 2012 singles chart

Coldplay have knocked the Military Wives choir off the top of the charts after their single Paradise became the first official number one of 2012.

The British band soared to the top spot a week after the the wives and choirmaster Gareth Malone secured the coveted Christmas number one with charity number Wherever You Are, the Official Charts Company said.

Meanwhile, singer Ed Sheeran returned to the top of the Official Albums Chart with his debut release +.

Coldplay's track, taken from the their fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto, was released on October 30 and has had a steady climb to the top of the charts.

Despite their success, it is only the four-piece's second number one single, following in the footsteps of 2008's Viva La Vida.

Former X Factor contestant Olly Murs secured this week's number two with Dance With Me Tonight, while Flo Rida's Good Feeling climbed to number three.

The Military Wives choir, formed by Malone for BBC2 programme The Choir, dropped to fourth.

Their single sold 556,000 copies, more than the rest of the top 12 combined, to become the 60th Christmas number one.

PA