Supermarket giant Tesco is to tap into the rapidly growing vinyl music market this week when it sells the new album by British rock group Iron Maiden.

Their first studio offering in five years, The Book Of Souls, will be released on Friday, with the triple LP format going on sale in 55 of the chain’s largest Tesco Extra stores.

It is believed it will be the first time Tesco has sold vinyl albums, as CDs were mainstream when supermarkets started selling music in the 90s.

In the last few years the vinyl album revival has been gaining momentum, with sales up by more than 50% in 2014.

They have bucked the downward sales trend in the last year of other music formats such as CDs, which fell by 6.5%, and downloads which dropped by nearly 9%.

A collection of 12" and LP vinyl records
Sales of vinyl records are on the rise (Johnny Green/PA)

The only other music format in growth is streaming, which grew by 78% last year.

Tesco music buyer Michael Mulligan said: “In the last year we began selling record decks in our largest stores and initial sales are very encouraging, so giving our customers some new vinyl to play on those decks seems like the logical next step.

“And there can be no better way to launch this trial than working with one of rock music’s most iconic bands and their eagerly anticipated new album.

“We are anticipating demand for The Book Of Souls to be high as Iron Maiden’s last album was the band’s most successful to date, reaching number one in 28 countries including the UK.

Prince Charles learns how to scratch and fade with a turntable
We reckon this vinyl enthusiast will be first in line at his local Tesco (Arthur Edwards/PA)

“If this trial is a success then we would consider selling more vinyl albums before the end of the year.”

Customers and fans can also enjoy Iron Maiden’s own brand of beer called Trooper, with Tesco offering them the opportunity in their Extra stores to purchase a 500ml bottle for £1 when bought with the LP or CD, instead of the regular retail price of £1.99.

The Book Of Souls will also be sold in CD format by Tesco in 850 of its UK stores and online at Tesco Direct. The three LP vinyl format will cost £24 while the 2 CD version will cost £9.