SHOPPERS will have to wave goodbye to the old one pound coins by the end of the week.

Retailers around Bolton will stop accepting the round coin currency from midnight on Sunday in favour of the new 12-sided pound.

However, yesterday Poundland announced that it will be the first in the country to continue to take the old change after they are taken out of circulation.

The national chain, which has stores in Victoria Square, Burnden Retail Park and Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park, will accept them as part of its ‘Legal Tender Extender’ initiative until October 31.

Poundland’s managing director, Barry Williams said: “We are the official home of the pound, so it’s a no brainer that we offer all Brits the opportunity to spend their hard earned round pounds for longer.”

The Federation of Small Businesses, which represents more than 170,000 companies, has also advised its members to continue to take the old coins as a “useful community service”.

A spokesman told the Telegraph: “Shopkeepers will be aware that the Royal Mint has this deadline but at the same time they will not want to let their loyal customers down by saying they cannot pay with a round pound if they do not have any other change.

“It would help if small firms knew they were allowed a short transition period to collect the old coins if they wish to and are willing to bank them, but not give out to customers.”

The new pound coin was introduced in March but it is believed around 500 million old pounds – which have been used for more than 30 years – are still in circulation.

Major supermarkets including Asda, Aldi and Co-op have confirmed its stores will not accept the old coin from midnight on Sunday.

A spokesperson for the Co-op added: “We have updated all our 24,000 trollies in readiness, and none of our self-service tills and checkouts will accept the old £1 coin after deadline.

It is also believe that Tesco and Sainsbury’s will also stick to the deadline.

Major banks have encourage customers to allow enough time to hand in their old coins but accept deposits after October 15. People can also hand them in at the Post Office after this date.

Dame Barbara Windsor, is also calling on the public to donate their remaining old £1 coins to BBC Children in Need.

The charity, which supports community projects around the UK, is aiming to collect as many as possible ahead of its Appeal Day on November 17.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Andrew Jones said more than 1.2 billion of the old coins have been returned in the past six months.