Ed Sheeran tops new music streaming charts

Ed Sheeran leads streaming chart Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire

Brit Award winner Ed Sheeran has shot to the top of the streaming charts.

The A Team singer has taken top spot in the first Official Streaming Chart which is launched on Monday.

Sheeran, named British male solo artist and British breakthrough act at the Brits, beat acts such as Lana Del Rey, David Guetta and Rihanna to the top.

Streaming is worth around £35 million a year to the UK music industry. Users listen to music online, but do not permanently buying it.

The new chart is compiled from information supplied by services such as Spotify and Napster.

Official Charts Company managing director Martin Talbot said:

Official most-streamed artists of 2012 to date: