8:58am UK, Tuesday January 08, 2008

A set of stamps to mark the centenary of James Bond creator Ian Fleming's birth has been launched.

180 James Bond stamp Samantha Bond

Samantha Bond (Miss Moneypenny) poses in front of DB6

The stamps feature cover designs from six of Fleming's famous 007 novels.

These are Casino Royale, Dr No, Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, For Your Eyes Only and From Russia With Love.

Actress Samantha Bond, who played Miss Moneypenny in several Bond films alongside Pierce Brosnan, publicised the new collection.

She posed beside an Aston Martin DB6 - the car made famous by the Bond movies.

Royal Mail head of special stamps Julietta Edgar said: "It is estimated that over half the world's population have heard of James Bond.

"(It) is an incredible testament to the imagination of his creator, Ian Fleming.

"I'm delighted to see that the most famous super-spy is once again in the service of Queen and country and will be appearing on millions of items of post."

The Ian Fleming collection of James Bond stamps is on sale in Post Office branches and online.