Zayn Malik beats Adele to U.K. number one by 4,000 sales

Zayn Malik has taken his debut solo album to the top of the U.K. charts - but only just.

Mind of Mine has knocked Adele's 25 from the top spot, with just over 4,000 more sales.

But Zayn isn't dwelling on how close the chart race was, telling the Official Charts Company, "I can't believe that I have managed to achieve this as a solo artist. I am very proud coming from Bradford (England) achieving this in my home country.

He added, "It's mind-blowing to me. I don't take the support I have received for granted. My life at 23 could have been very different."

Zayn quit boy band One Direction a year ago to concentrate on his solo career.

The new album's lead single, Pillowtalk, went straight to number one in the U.K. in February (16).

Meanwhile, Adele drops to two on the new chart, while Joe Bonamassa's Blues of Desperation collection debuts at three.

Birdy's Beautiful Lies and Justin Bieber's Purpose round out the new top five.

In the singles chart, Mike Posner remains at number one for a third week with I Took A Pill In Ibiza.

Fifth Harmony's Work From Home takes over the number two spot, while Lukas Graham's 7 Years is at three.

Sia's Cheap Thrills and Zara Larsson's Lush Life complete this week's top five.