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The store, which already sells pre-packaged confectionery, is trialling pick'n'mix in a handful of stores before deciding whether to roll it out nationwide.

Analysts believe that Woolworths, which went bust in November with debts of £385m, earned an estimated £200-£300m a year from pick'n'mix sales, though it is expected that WHSmith will make only a quarter of that.

While Woolworths was criticised for lacking a unique selling point, it was perhaps most well known for its extensive pick'n'mix range.

In February this year the last ever bag of Woolworths' pick'n'mix was sold on eBay for more than £14,500.

Shop Direct Group, the internet shopping portal owned by Telegraph magnates Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, are currently relaunching Woolworths as an online-only proposition having bought the brand in February.