RECORD shops across South Essex are booming as vinyl sales continue to soar.

In 2015 sales grew for the eighth consecutive year, with more than two million vinyls sold throughout the country.

Mike Dalby, manager of Adrian’s Records, in High Street, Wickford, said the sale of records now accounts for around half of the business.

This is compared to just five per cent six years ago.

Mr Dalby, 42, said: “The trend in people buying vinyl has made the businesses more comfortable than it was six years ago – there is definitely an upsurge in vinyl sales.

“It’s ridiculous how much it has taken off recently.

“It makes our shop look a lot nicer to be full of vinyl now.

“It’s the real music fans who are going back it.

“It really seems to have picked up among the younger generation, and the older generation seem to be dusting off their old vinyl and pulling their record players out.”

Indie music, from bands such as the White Stripes and Radiohead, are selling particularly well, he added.

Richard Onslow, owner of South Record Shop in Queens Road, Southend, said the current increase is the most significant since at least 1994, when Wet Wet Wet and Bon Jovi were among the year’s biggest artists.

He said: “We opened about two years ago while sales were increasing.

“It has really helped us.

“I think the reason sales are on the up is because vinyl is tangible.

“It gives people something to hold, you have to pay more attention because you have to turn it over halfway through, whereas mp3s are disposable.”