Transaction in Own Shares

WH Smith PLC
29 February 2008

                           WH Smith PLC ('WH Smith')

                    Close Period Share Repurchase Programme


WH Smith announces today that it has given its brokers an irrevocable,
non-discretionary authority, approved by the UKLA, to purchase WH Smith Ordinary
Shares ('WH Smith Shares') on its own behalf, for cancellation during its close
period between 1 March 2008 and the release of WH Smith's interim results which
will be announced on 17 April 2008.

Any acquisitions will be effected within certain pre-set parameters, and in
accordance with both WH Smith's general authority to repurchase WH Smith Shares
and Chapter 12 of the Listing Rules, which required that the maximum price paid
be limited to no more then 105 per cent of the average middle market closing
price of WH Smith Shares for the five dealing days preceding the date of
purchase.


Further enquiries:

Sue Barratt     Media Relations        020 7851 8850
Mark Boyle     Investor Relations      020 7851 8820




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