The Sun will lift the paywall on its website just over two years after it was first introduced, according to an internal memo.

Rebekah Brooks, chief executive of News UK, which publishes The Sun, said in an email to staff it would make its online content "largely free" by November 30.

She claimed the move would help the company further its long-term growth prospects and drive larger audiences.

The Sun was first moved behind a paywall in August 2013, charging customers £2 a week.

Ms Brooks, who joined News UK in September, said in the email: "As of November 1, Sun+ customers will no longer be billed for reading The Sun's digital content and we will be transitioning to a largely free world by the end of the month.

"Entering this new chapter for the Sun, we are in a strong position thanks to the many learnings we bring from the paid-for era."