AS THE year draws to a close the interesting news is that sales of vinyl records continue to grow each month as CD sales fall.

New recordings are more expensive than other formats but music fans might argue that the listening experience - with the ability to hold the music in your hands - is worth the price.

There is now a culture of collecting that comes with switching to vinyl that could be seen as an investment for the future, but the monetary value will never outweigh the love for the music.

It is a surprising success story in an industry dominated by digital technology.

As sales increase, it is serving up a whole new listening experience, especially for the under 30s.

They are the ones interested in investing in old records, including limited edition box sets, rather than current chart hits.

Modern-day artists are not oblivious to the fact. Adele's '25' and Taylor Swift's 'Reputation' were among the best-selling albums of the year.

'Twelves' is a collection of records featuring the best of Michael Jackson's songs.

Each come in a unique picture sleeve.

When placed together on a flat surface like a jigsaw, they show Jackson in typical characteristic pose.

Surprisingly, 'Thriller' is not deemed collectable probably as it's the best-selling album of all time, with 66 million sold. Most people will have a copy.

Michael Jackson will always be remembered as one of the greatest entertainers of modern times.

Since the age of six, singing with his brothers, he spent his entire life as a public performer.

Signed to Motown in 1969, young Michael's voice was the lead vocal. Although too young to have experienced the romantic situations that were the subject of the songs he sang with complete sincerity.

Later he appeared to be a person trapped in an eternal childhood, surrounded by pet animals, his own funfair and theme park, almost insulated from the problems of the real world.

Yet we have to remember he was an extremely talented man, who made a lot of people happy and he left some unforgettable songs, most of which feature in this selection of his finest.

Twelves (7x12"): Vinyl Discs inside Picture Sleeves in Box with inserts by Michael Jackson. Epic Records, 2003. Value £60