Sark to issue its first official postage stamps with Liberation and wildflowers showcased

Sark will issue its first official postage stamps with designs to commemorate Liberation and wildflowers.

The small Channel Island, which is home to around 500 people, will release two sets through Guernsey Post.

The first is subject to Royal approval as it shows the Princess Royal during her tour of the Bailiwick in May, marking 80 years since the end of German Occupation.

It also details poignant historic images, such as German troops leaving Sark on 17 June 1945 and Dame Sibyl Hathaway posing with members of British Force 135 after Liberation.

The second stamp series highlights Sark's rich array of native flora with more than 600 species of wildflowers growing across the island.

Several are showcased, including rock sea-lavender and the sand crocus, through photographs taken by local resident Sue Daly.

Bridget Yabsley, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post, says: "The commemorative stamps reflect the character and resilience of Sark's community and we are honoured to mark this important time in its history.

"Sark boasts spectacular displays of wild flowers and is home to rare species of plants and flowers found in few other places in the world, let alone the British Isles. We expect strong interest in both sets from collectors around the world."

The 80th Liberation stamp series will be issued on Wednesday 27 August, with the Wildflower Definitives released a week later on Wednesday 3 September.

Both are available to pre-order from a fortnight before their release dates.

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