You know Christmas is just around the corner when the Royal Mail launches its festive stamps - and this year there's a Gloucestershire connection.

Stroud-based artist, Andrew Davidson, designed the six stamps celebrating the humble postbox. The stamps come in six different designs - 1st Class, 2nd Class, Large letter and overseas values.

Each of the stamps depicts a different postbox - from the early hexagonal 'Penfold' design of the 19th century to contemporary postboxes and 'lamp' boxes (those affixed to posts) - all still in use today.

Andrew said: "Knowing my illustrations on the 2018 Christmas stamps will be winging their way around the world delivering Season's Greetings to friends and family, gives me a real sense of festive joy."

Since 1982, Andrew has worked on over 12 stamp issues for Royal Mail.

Religious Christmas stamps of the Madonna and Child in 1st Class and 2nd Class rates will also be available from Post Offices for anyone who prefers a more traditional stamp.