JAMES BOND - BOND TO RECEIVE STAMP MEMORIAL

The centenary of the birth of James Bond creator Ian Fleming is to be celebrated next month with six extra-long stamps, Royal Mail has confirmed.

The six stamps will each feature different editions of his most famous novels, with Casino Royale, the first James Bond book, and Dr No, the first to be adapted for the screen, to adorn the two first-class stamps.

The 54p stamps will display the covers of Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever, with the 78p pairing to show For Your Eyes Only and From Russia With Love.

Fleming himself, born in London's Mayfair on May 28th 1908, was responsible for the cover designs for Casino Royal and From Russia With Love.

Launched on January 8th, the six stamps are part of Royal Mail's 2008 special stamps programme.

Other features of the special stamp lineup for the next year include tributes to the cult classic Carry On and Hammer horror movies, both to go on sale in June.

Julietta Edgar, head of special stamps, said: "Royal Mail's special stamps are a national institution, marking famous anniversaries, celebrating the greatest events and showcasing the best of British.

"Special stamps mark great moments, famous anniversaries and important cultural themes; they're miniature pieces of art and history rolled into one, and 2008's stamp programme promises to be a classic year."