Collectors were queuing up today to get their hands on the first in a new set of coloured 50p coins featuring characters from Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit series.

The Royal Mint has issued a statement thanking customers for their patience after the first coins, which feature Peter Rabbit, went on sale on its website.

Visitors to the Royal Mint's website today were told: "Due to very high volumes of traffic you have been placed in a queue.

"You will be directed to our website as quickly as possible.

"Thank you for your patience. We're sure you're aware that our newest Peter Rabbit coin has proved very popular with fans once again. As such we are no longer taking orders of our Peter Rabbit Silver Proof coin via our website."

Three further coloured designs, which feature Jeremy Fisher, Tom Kitten and Benjamin Bunny, will go on sale at a later date.

Uncoloured regular 50p coins featuring the designs will be released into general circulation.

A shop and museum dedicated to Beatrice Potter and her books, including 'The Tailor of Gloucester', which she wrote after visiting the city, is located near Gloucester Cathedral.

Last year, Gloucester hosted a Beatrix Potter trail to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the author's birth.

The latest collection of coins is being brought out following the success of a similar set (pictured) last year.

Anne Jessopp, Director of Commemorative Coin at the Royal Mint, said: "While we always knew that the Beatrix Potter characters would be a huge hit, the enormous popularity of the 2016 set exceeded everyone's expectations.

"The coins sold out almost instantly as people raced to collect a complete set of the four friends.

"We're delighted to be able to present another group of her exquisite characters, giving them a new lease of life on our specially-designed coloured commemorative coins."