RAG ’N’ BONE MAN’s album was named number one last night – breaking sales records in the process.

Human, which has been hailed one of the albums of the year so far, claimed top spot as one of the fastest-selling debuts release by a male artist over the last decade.

The Uckfield musician and Brits Critics’ Choice winner’s record has sold more than 117,000 copies since it hit the shelves last Friday, outselling the rest of the top ten combined, according to the Official Charts Company.

His single of the same name peaked at number two last year, outselling Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith’s inaugural records.

Rag ’n’ Bone Man, real name Rory Graham, who began his musical journey as a rapper before finding success with his unique blend of blues, electro-soul and hip-hop, said hitting the top of the charts “means the world”.

He said: “A massive thank you for going out and buying my album, streaming it and making it such a success so quickly.”

Only three debut artists have sold more in a week since 2010, One Direction’s Up All Night, Rebecca Ferguson’s Heaven and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ self-titled release.

It is also the fastest-selling album since David Bowie’s final record before his death, Blackstar.

Graham is also in the running to win the breakthrough act category at the Brit Awards which takes place on Wednesday.

Although from Uckfield, Graham made a name for himself playing Brighton’s pubs and clubs.

Earlier this week, Ben Thomas told how he left his job as a music teacher to become a full-time drummer for what has been dubbed one of the country’s hottest new acts,

Thomas, 30, orginally from Buxted but now living in Brighton, spent the last three years combining teaching youngsters drums and percussion for East Sussex Music with his duties as a drummer.

But with the latter’s blues-inspired grooves propelling him to the upper reaches of the charts, he is throwing in his lot full time with his former Uckfield Community College schoolmate.

Thomas has come full circle, having received drumming lessons from East Sussex Music from the age of 11. He said: “As soon as I heard his voice and the music, I knew it was something special.”