The last issue of the News of the World sold 3.8 million copies on Sunday – up 1.1 million from the previous week - with many stores selling out across the country.

Retailers were hit by unprecedented demand as people swept up copies of the newspaper, which included a 48-page souvenir pullout charting some of the paper’s famous scoops over its 168-year history.

Advertising space in the paper was provided free to good causes, and 74 pence from the £1 cover price of every copy sold in the UK will be split equally between three charities: Barnado’s, The Force’s Children’s Trust and the military projects at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity.

Readers who were left empty-handed will have the chance to purchase a copy of Sunday’s final edition as well as a souvenir copy of the paper's very first edition - published on Sunday October 1, 1843. These copies can be bought together for £2.95, which includes £1.95 postage and packaging, by going to www.notw.co.uk. For each copy sold the £1 cover price will be donated to charity.