Coldplay and Leona Lewis were among the British artists who helped boost the country’s share of the US music scene in 2008.

Coldplay’s ‘Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends’ was the second biggest selling album in America, while Lewis’ debut album ‘Spirit’ sold 4.75million copies.

According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the singer also had the most downloaded single of the year with ‘Bleeding Love’.

Overall, one in ten albums sold in the US in 2008 were made by British artists – an 8.5% rise on the year before.

Other artists who prospered in America included The Ting Tings and Estelle.

BPI chairman Tony Wadsworth told the BBC: "Britain's creative industries consistently excel on the world stage with British music chief amongst them.

"After the US, we are the biggest exporter of repertoire and, in the US itself, the UK is the second largest source of repertoire after US home grown artists.

“The increase in our North American market share reflects the UK's enduring ability to create world class artists."

(by Jason Gregory)