British postal service and courier company Royal Mail recently revealed images of 10 Special Stamps being issued to celebrate 65 years of the most beloved marmalade-loving bear – Paddington.

Six stamps in the main set are taken from Ivor Wood’s strip cartoons of Paddington, originally published in the London Evening News newspaper in the late 1970s.

In 1975, illustrator, animator, and writer Ivor Wood was instrumental in transforming Paddington from a beloved literary character into a star of the small screen.

Working with animation company, FilmFair, Wood designed and directed the first Paddington television series for the BBC. Four stamps presented in a Miniature Sheet capture moments from this TV series.

David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy, Royal Mail, said: “Paddington continues to bring cheer to generations of children worldwide. These delightful stamps will brighten up the day of anyone receiving mail with a touch of Paddington’s charm.”

Rachel Clarke, SVP Licensing and Retail UK at The Copyrights Group, said: “Paddington is a real heritage brand with a modern hero and we are delighted to be partnering with Royal Mail to celebrate 65 years since Michael Bond first introduced us to the beloved bear.”

How to get it?

The stamps are available to pre-order from today (24 August) at www.royalmail.com/paddington and by telephone on 03457 641 641.

A Presentation Pack including all 10 stamps in the set is priced at £17.70.

The stamps go on general sale on September 5.