Sales of compilation albums rose by 7.2% in 2012 and increased by 11.8% in the first three months of this year according to data from the Official Charts Company.

The Now That’s What I Call Music series and launch of new dance, reggae and running-themed volumes were responsible for the strong growth last year.

Compilations now make up a 21.0% share of all albums sold, with 26 titles selling more than 100,000 copies in 2012, up from 18 the year before.