Irish pop group Westlife secured their 14th number one hit on Sunday with a version of the Bette Midler ballad "The Rose".

The band now ranks equal third with singer Cliff Richard in the list of artists with the most number one singles, behind only the Beatles and Elvis Presley.

Westlife knocked Dutch dance DJ Fedde Le Grand's "Put Your Hands Up For Detroit" off the top spot and down to number four, according to chart compiler, The Official UK Charts Company.

Midler had a hit with "The Rose" in 1980.

Since their first hit in 1999, Westlife have sold more than 35 million records around the world, according to their record label.

Fellow Irishmen U2 rose four places to number two with "The Saints Are Coming", recorded with the American band Green Day.

In third place, was "Rock Steady", the comeback single from girl band All Saints, who are back together after splitting up five years ago.

American singer Beyonce slipped one place to fifth with "Irreplaceable" and dance duo Bodyrox fell to sixth with "Yeah Yeah".

Girls Aloud dropped to number seven with "Something Kinda Ooooh", while another all-female band, Sugababes, climbed to number eight with "Easy".

Madonna's new single "Jump" rose 50 places to reach number nine, while American band My Chemical Romance completed the top 10 with "Welcome to the Black Parade".

In the album chart, Jamiroquai's greatest hits collection "High Times: Singles 1992-2006" was a new entry at number one.