The Guardian informs us that it has had almost 70k downloads for its paid iPhone app in the first month since launch (press release at this link). Initially only available in the UK, US and Ireland, it is now also possible to download it in other parts of Europe, Canada and Australia.

Up to and including Tuesday 12 January 2010, the Guardian App has been downloaded 68,979 times from the App Store. The app launched on Monday 14 December 2009.

“We are thrilled with our download figures for the first month of the app. The feedback we have received from users has been excellent, yet also extremely informative in terms of features and functionality that can be improved in the future,” said Emily Bell, director of digital content, Guardian News & Media.

Unlike its rivals, the Telegraph and the Independent, the Guardian had a go with charging for its app. That download figure means around £164,859.81 earned from the app in a month; a little help in the fight against £100,000 per day GNM revenue losses, reported last year.

Update: Apple takes a 30 per cent cut of profit-making apps.