More than half a billion on-demand and broadband video clips were watched on Virgin Media last year as TV viewers increasingly turn towards catch-up TV, according to the media company.

December was the busiest month for the cable operator's on-demand service, with customers watching 56m pieces

The BBC iPlayer, which launched on Virgin Media last May, is largely credited for the huge increase in take-up, accounting for 95m views - a third of all iPlayer views.

Neil Berkett, CEO of Virgin Media, said, "More viewers are abandoning TV schedules and choosing to watch the programmes they want, when they want. The launch of BBC iPlayer on our TV platform was a real tipping point in consumer understanding of on-demand and we'll continue this success with the launch of ITV Player,"

Virgin Media's on-demand service is accessed by over 50% of its 3.5m customers, according to the company.