The Sun to publish first Christmas Day edition in 41 years

News International's daily tabloid is producing an exclusive iPad edition on 25 December. It will cover news, sport and entertainment, and carry an exclusive message from John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York.

The Sun launched a daily app for the iPad in June, priced at £4.99 for a 30-day subscription. From today (22 December), readers will receive a free 30-day trial of the latest version of the app in anticipation of people receiving iPads this Christmas.

The latest edition of the app includes an interactive news ticker, Page 360 every Monday, and a 360-degree view of the day’s page three model. 

Since 1912, newspaper editors have agreed not to produce a Christmas Day edition of the paper – giving delivery drivers, newsagents and paperboys across the UK the day off.

Dominic Mohan, editor of The Sun, said: "Throughout The Sun’s 41-year history we have always respected the agreement among newspaper publishers in not publishing a Christmas Day edition of The Sun. 

"However, this year we have seen dramatic innovations in the way that we deliver news to our readers and couldn’t resist the opportunity to break with tradition and produce this dazzling digital edition of the paper – direct to readers' sofas on Christmas Day.

"I am especially pleased that the Archbishop of York has agreed to write for this special edition of The Sun. As the world changes around us, it has never been more important to take time to reflect on the year gone by, as well as look forward to the future. I hope his words will give our readers the chance to do just that."

Separately, The Sun is collaborating with leading British designer Vivienne Westwood this Christmas, for a climate campaign.

The collaboration has produced limited edition eco-friendly Christmas wrapping paper, complete with environmental message. 

The wrapping paper features a Prince Charming motif from Westwood's 2010 range on one side. On the reverse is themessage "Act Fast, Slow Down, Stop Climate Change".

The collaboration is the result of Westwood and The Sun's environment editor Ben Jackson introduction at a climate change event. 

The Sun has a history of environmental campaigning. In 2008, it claimed to have run the UK's largest-ever newspaper promotion, when it gave away more than 4.5 million energy saving light bulbs in one day. 

The Sun also claims to be the UK's first newspaper publisher to go carbon neutral.

This article was first published on mediaweek.co.uk