Bond covers lined up for novel stamps

JAMES Bond creator Ian Fleming is to be commemorated in the new year with a set of stamps from the Royal Mail.

Six stamps will be launched on January 8, featuring different editions of Fleming's most famous novels, including Casino Royale and Dr No, to mark the centenary of the birth.

Fleming himself was responsible for the design of the Casino Royale and From Russia With Love covers.

In February, Royal Mail will pay tribute man's best friend with six stamps showing working dogs in action, while the life and times of British monarchs will be celebrated on stamps issued in the same month.

Other stamp issues planned for 2008 include a series celebrating the work of the RNLI and coastguards, endangered insects, cathedrals, Carry On and Hammer Horror films, airshows, women of distinction, RAF uniforms and a commemoration of the end of the First World War.