Classic children’s novels from the great writer Roald Dahl feature in a new collection of Royal Mail stamps.

The six-piece collection, featuring the iconic illustrations of Quentin Blake, show Charlie, of Chocolate Factory fame, rejoicing with his golden ticket, and the ever-bookish Matilda beaming into her latest tome.

The BFG has not been forgotten. The novel is 30 years old this year and Royal Mail is celebrating the big birthday with a sheet of four stamps depicting scenes from the book, as well as an image of the giant and the Queen, with this quote from the novel: "'Your Majester,' he said. 'I is your humbug servant.' He bowed again."

The late author's daughter, Ophelia Dahl, said her father would have been "thrilled" about the stamps, which go on sale from Wednesday at royalmail.com.

"My dad wrote thousands of letters home throughout his life and never dreamed that one day one of his own characters would grace a stamp," she said. "This is an excellent way for us to kick off a year of celebrations to mark 30 years in print for The BFG and it's great that the stamps include a collector's set, devoted to The BFG and other characters from this book."

Blake, 79, who has illustrated over 300 children's books, previously honoured Stylist by designing this exclusive cover.

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Words: Anna Pollitt

Roald Dahl Stamps Celebrate Author