Rik Mayall's 2010 Word Cup song 'Noble England' has gone straight into the top 10 of the UK's official singles chart, six days after his sudden death.

The track, which was originally recorded for the last World Cup in South Africa, failed to chart the first time around, but thanks to a social media campaign set up in his memory it has reached number seven this week.

Mayall, who died last Monday, said of the track four years ago: "Football chants are one of the great traditions of following football and Shakespeare is also part of our national heritage.

"It seemed only natural that they should go together. I'm doing my bit, just like every other Englishman.

"As we stand shoulder-to-shoulder, doing out bit, stiff upper lip - apart from when you're screaming out the lyrics to Noble England."

Mayall suffered from an ''acute cardiac event'' after returning from a morning run, his widow said.