A special edition of a regional daily paying tribute to one of the area’s most famous sons has been sold online for nearly £14 – more than 30 times its cover price.

The Paisley Daily Express produced a commemorative issue after the death of singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty on 4 January, who was best known for the hit Baker Street.

And a copy of the paper was sold on online auction site eBay for an astonishing £13.63, compared to a cover price of 42p, after a bidding war ensued, making it the most expensive edition of the title ever sold.

The commemorative issue of the paper included exclusive interviews with many of Gerry’s former bandmates and friends, with people from as far afield as America and Singapore contacting the title to find out how they could buy a copy.

Express editor Anne Dalrymple said: “The interest has been quite incredible and it is a tribute to everyone here at the Paisley Daily Express who worked on the edition that so many people wanted to get their hands on a copy.

“It is amazing that someone was happy to scoop a copy for almost £14 – it is the most expensive edition ever sold.

“I’m not surprised, however, that folk treasure these special editions we produce from time to time. Gerry Rafferty was a musical genius and loved by so many. He was always proud of his home town and his roots were here in Paisley.”

It is believed the eBay buyer of the paper, who submitted the highest bid with just eight seconds to go, may have lived abroad or he would have bought a copy from the newspaper’s offices instead.