Adele's '21' overtakes Amy Winehouse's chart record

Adele's album '21' has become the best-selling album of this century.

The 23-year-old singer's record has overtaken Amy Winehouse's Back To Back, which was released in 2006.

According to the Official Charts Company, '21' has sold 3.4 million copies since its release in January earlier this year, spending 45 weeks in the top ten and 18 of those at number one. Ms Winehouse's album has sold 3.3 million copies.

It is also the biggest-selling album in the world this year.

Last week (30th November), Adele was nominated for six Grammys, including album of the year, record of the year and best pop vocals.

Writing on her official blog, she said: "This year has been the best year as it is but to end 2011 with this incredible achievement and honour is beyond anything I can express."

Adele's first album, '19', is the second biggest-selling album of 2011, having shifted 1.1 million copies.