Chart for independent record sales

Chart bosses are rallying around independent record shops to launch a new sales countdown to support their contribution to the music business.

It is the latest initiative to highlight the importance of record stores, as the impact of downloads leads to dwindling outlet numbers.

The new weekly rundown - to be launched on Friday - will include only physical sales at nearly 100 independent shops around the UK.

It is being launched by the Official Charts Company on the eve of the annual Record Store Day this Saturday which also celebrates the shops' role.

Many artists, such as Noel Gallagher, are releasing limited edition vinyl records to support the day.

The new chart will feature on Steve Lamacq's BBC Radio 6 Music show on Friday, but in future weeks it will be announced each Sunday.

Official Charts Company figures show an overwhelming majority of vinyl album sales are through independent stores.

Lana Del Rey's Born To Die is the biggest selling album through independent stores so far this year, followed by Leonard Cohen's Old Ideas.

Managing director of the Charts Company, Martin Talbot, said: "Independent record shops are more important than ever in helping introduce music fans to new, interesting music."