The X Factor charity single Hero has stormed the charts, knocking Girls Aloud off the top spot and scoring the finalists their first Number One!

Record bosses have confirmed that it is now the fastest-selling charity single of the decade.

The record has sold 313,244 in its first week of release – outselling the entire top 10 combined.

The final twelve acts have recorded a beautiful and emotive cover of Mariah Carey’s classic song ‘Hero’ with all net record company proceeds going to ‘Help For Heroes’ a charity that provides support for wounded servicemen and women.

The track has received major backing this week with Gordon Brown buying a copy for his wife, Alistair Darling refunding all VAT from sales of the single and Woolworths giving away all profits it makes from the cd.