New Blur single leads to record shops rush

BRITPOP fans cashed in after snapping up copies of a limited-edition vinyl release which went on sale at selected independent record shops yesterday.

Within hours, copies of Fool's Day by Blur were appearing on the internet auction site eBay, some with a "Buy It Now" price of 150.

Blur had opted to make the single-sided vinyl available only through independent record shops, calling them an "important part of our musical culture".

Just 1,000 copies of the record – the band's first new material for seven years – were offered for sale.

The eagerly anticipated release sparked queues outside stores, with people arriving at some shops from about 5am.