One Direction break US Billboard digital chart record

One Direction have made chart history in America for the second time in 2012, after scoring the fastest-selling track by a non-US artist ever.

Live While We're Young topped the digital tracks and songs chart after selling 341,000 copies, according to the band's representatives.

This year they also became the first Brits to go in at the top of the Billboard chart with their debut album.

"We're so happy with the success of the single in the USA," said Niall Horan.

"We can't wait for everyone to hear our new album."

While Live While We're Young has gone to number one on digital charts in the States, it failed to top the main Billboard Hot 100 chart going in at number three.

In the UK it also reached number three on the official chart behind Rihanna's Diamonds and Psy's Gangnam Style.

Last week the boy band picked up three prizes at the Radio 1 Teen awards in London.

One Direction release their second album Take Me Home on 12 November.

'British invasion'

Meanwhile, Mumford and Sons have held on to number one in the Billboard 200 album chart with Babel.

Muse earned their highest-charting album with The 2nd Law debuting at number two.

It's the first time since 1992 that British rock bands have been at number one and two in the same week on the chart when Def Leppard's Adrenalize was in top spot ahead of the Cure's Wish.

Along with Adele and Mumford and Sons, One Direction are seen as having a big role in the current British musical invasion happening in America.

Live While We're Young marks the highest debut for a British group in the American chart's history selling 341,000 download copies in one week.

It's also the first time two British acts have simultaneously debuted in the US top 10, with Adele's Bond theme Skyfall coming in at number eight.

"That is usually like the opening question (in US interviews) I think!" admits Harry Styles.

"We're really proud to be part of this whole thing that's seen as the British invasion."

"It just kind of proves what is going on in British music right now," Styles continues, "with us, Adele, Ed Sheeran, it all seems to be working over there, so good timing I guess!"

Harry Styles poses with fans at Radio 1's Teen Awards