James Bond actor Daniel Craig plays Lord Asriel

Daniel Craig stars in the first instalment of Philip Pullman's book trilogy, His Dark Materials.

Disney movie Enchanted made its debut at number two, with animated film Bee Movie following at number three.

Vince Vaughn's Fred Claus is fourth, with new release Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium rounding off the top five.

UK AND IRELAND BOX OFFICE 1. The Golden Compass - �12.2m 2. Enchanted - �2.5m 3. Bee Movie - �2.2m 4. Fred Claus - �720,676 5. Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium - �459,734 6. We Own The Night - �441,416 7. Hitman - �288,273 8. American Gangster - �221,466 9. Beowulf - �109,220 10. The Assassination of Jesse James... - �57,692 Source: Screen International

The final new release in this week's top 10, We Own The Night - starring Eva Mendes and Joaquin Phoenix - reached sixth place.

Crime thriller Hitman fell from last week's third place to seventh, closely followed by American Gangster at number eight.