Born 136 years ago, the man who inspired Britain to victory in the Second World War, Sir Winston Churchill, is also the oldest person to make the pop charts.

'Winnie' is one of the performers in Reach for the Skies, the official album of the Battle of Britain, which has soared to No.4 just one week after its release.

Such is its appeal it has even outsold other new albums by pop and rock legends Eric Clapton, David Bowie and Neil Young.

Released to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the battle, Reach For the Skies features the Central Band of the RAF and some of Churchill's most rousing speeches from 1940.

'The Few' and 'Their Finest Hour' are set against (approriately reverential) music for the first time.

The album also includes war classics such as the Dambusters March, Battle of Britain March and 633 Squadron. It is dedicated to 'The Few'.

Official Charts Company managing director Martin Talbot said: "It is great that to a long list of Official Chart stars including Elvis, Madonna, Cliff and The Beatles, we can now add Winston Churchill.

"It is also a tribute to the amazing sacrifices of our servicemen that the British public have bought this RAF album in such large numbers."

Dickon Stainer, president of record label Decca, added: "Churchill's speeches are as potent today as they were 70 years ago when they motivated the RAF to one of the greatest victories in British history."