Students create stamp designs to honour their heroes of the coronavirus pandemic

Newhouse Academy students have entered Royal Mail’s stamp design competition, honouring their heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Young designers across the country were asked to think about who their hero or heroes are, and to then design a stamp in their honour.

Launched in April, the 2021 competition was open to school-aged children from four to 14 years old.

Fifteen students across years 7, 8 and 9 got involved in the competition, representing Newhouse Academy in Heywood with stunning stamp designs.

A special panel of judges will now select eight designs to become stamps which will be on sale across the UK, and as with all Special Stamps, the final eight designs will be sent to The Queen before they can be printed and issued.

David Gold, Royal Mail’s Director of External Affairs & Policy, said: “We cannot wait to see who children choose to honour on their stamp.

“The past year has been very difficult for everyone, so let’s show the heroes of the pandemic just how much we appreciate what they have done for us.”

Miss Allen, art teacher at Newhouse, said: "They came up with some fantastic artwork depicting their heroes of the coronavirus pandemic. The topic has also prompted discussions around careers as students have become more aware of roles of key and essential workers. We are very proud of the work they have produced."

 

 

For more than 50 years Royal Mail’s Special Stamp programme has commemorated British history and achievement, with stamps featuring scientists and explorers, writers, artists, musicians, athletes, and Prime Ministers, to name a few.

The Royal Mail competition this year aimed to honour the heroes of the coronavirus pandemic, from frontline workers in healthcare to volunteers who helped people in their communities by producing a set of eight stamps.

The winning designs will be announced in autumn.