Since going on sale in the first week of April, more than 400,000 copies of the Diamond Jubilee New Testament have been ordered by churches of all denominations around the UK and other countries too - more than double the expected amount. Due to the success of the project, the deadline for ordering has been extended to 14th May at 12 noon, for delivery by 30th May. Copies can be ordered via email from lynn.robinson@biblica.com or by calling 028 9073 5875.

Produced by the Church of England, HOPE and Biblica, the souvenir Diamond Jubilee edition of the New Testament has been created to be given away by local churches in schools, at street parties and via other Diamond Jubilee events and initiatives. It includes eight pages of images from the Coronation and the Queen's life, linking her 60-year reign and her Christian faith. There is a suggested reading section with Bible references on various topics and a clear guide to help readers understand the significance of Christ's birth, life, death and resurrection. The text is the British New International Version 2011, which has been 'donated' by Biblica.

Dr Rachel Jordan, National Mission and Evangelism Adviser, Archbishops' Council, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the response from local churches with a heart to give the New Testament away to those in their local communities. Many homes that don't have a copy of the key Christian stories about Jesus Christ will now be given this wonderful gift so they can read and think about the Christian faith for themselves."

Mark Finnie, Church and Bible Engagement Director, Biblica, said: "Our passion is to distribute Bibles and New Testaments in creative and culturally engaging ways. We are delighted to be working with HOPE and the Archbishops' Council to provide churches, schools and organisations with the Diamond Jubilee New Testament, in what is possibly the largest single distribution of scriptures within our country in living memory."

Roy Crowne, Executive Director of the national mission movement HOPE, said: "We are thrilled with the response so far. We are making this souvenir New Testament available at cost price - so that churches can give them away as a lasting reminder of the Queen's 60 years of faithful service to the country and Commonwealth. We hope that many more churches will use this opportunity to give this special gift to people in their communities as they celebrate the Diamond Jubilee."