The final issue of Smash Hits has gone on sale.

The publication was axed due to falling sales figures, having peaked in 1989 thanks to an edition featuring Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan that sold over one million copies. The magazine's circulation had dropped from a regular 500,000 to only 120,000 per issue.

Marcus Rich, the director of publishers Emap, stated: "Smash Hits revolutionised the world of teen publishing when it was launched in 1978, but 28 years later, the world is a very different place and the magazine's role and relevance on the news stand changed.

"The closure of the magazine allows us to concentrate our resources on developing the Smash Hits brand on these emerging platforms."

Mark Frith, a former Smash Hits editor and now editor in chief of Heat magazine, added: "People have an incredible sentimental feeling towards Smash Hits. Anyone that grew up with Smash Hits or was lucky enough to work on it will always have a special place in their hearts for it. It has been a pioneering force in pop and we can look back fondly on the last 28 years."

According to Emap, current editor Lara Palamoudian will move to another position in the company, with similar jobs being found for the remaining nine staff on the magazine.