Adele's Bond theme tops iTunes

Adele's theme for the new James Bond film Skyfall has shot to the top of the iTunes chart within hours of its release.

The track is hotly tipped to become the first 007 theme to make it to number one in the official chart when it is announced on Sunday.

Adele's song, which shares its title with the movie, was given its full premiere on her website at 0.07am on Friday and made available to download. Fans had been given a taster earlier in the week when it was leaked online, then swiftly removed.

The song is her first new material since her career exploded following the success of second album 21 early last year.

Previous Bond theme artists have all failed to take their songs to the top of the charts, including Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Tom Jones and Madonna, while Duran Duran made it to just number two in 1985 with A View To A Kill.

Bookmaker William Hill has given a figure of 1/2 that Adele will top the charts and retailer HMV is expecting huge sales.

The surge of sales is no guarantee of a number one on Sunday and the Official Charts Company said it would be a close-run thing with other popular acts vying for the prized slot.

Meanwhile the signed orchestral score to Adele's Bond theme is to be auctioned for charity for up to £1,500. The sheet music has been added at the last minute to a sale of 007 memorabilia which is taking place at Christie's in London.

The invitation-only event is being staged to tie in with "Global James Bond Day", marking today's 50th anniversary of the premiere of the first film in the series, Dr No.

The score - which has been signed by Adele and her co-writer and producer Paul Epworth - will be sold to benefit Unicef. Many other lots are being offered in an online auction which will continue until October 8.