'Absolutely perfect' for family as Cilla Black tops album charts for first time

Cilla Black's family has said her album topping the UK charts is "absolutely perfect".

"We have all been touched by the public's outpouring of love for our mother this week, and now to give her a number one album today is absolutely perfect," they said in a statement. "Thank you!"

She made a posthumous return to the top of the UK music charts with her compilation album The Very Best Of.

It first re-entered the Top 40 two weeks ago and, following the star's funeral on Thursday August 20, climbed a further seven places to hit the number one spot.

It is Black's first ever official albums chart number one.

The Very Best Of knocked Dr Dre album Compton off top spot.

It was first released in 1983 and then most recently re-released in 2013 to include fan favourites and dance remixes of Cilla classics.

It surpassed her previous effort Sher-oo which reached number seven in 1968, according to the Official Charts Company.

The compilation includes number ones Anyone Who Had A Heart (the biggest selling single of the 1960s by a female artist) and You're My World, as well as Top 10 hits You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' and Step Inside Love.

Black boasts an impressive official chart history, with a total of six top 40 albums, and 11 top 10 singles - the second highest number for any British female, only Shirley Bassey and Petula Clark, who both have 12, have more.

Dan Chalmers, president, Rhino, East West & ADA, UK said: "This number one is a reflection of the special place Cilla Black occupied in the hearts of the British public and a fitting tribute to an icon who shaped popular music and entertainment.

"Cilla had an extraordinary and unforgettable voice and her timeless music will inspire fans and musicians for generations to come."