THE Royal Mail has unveiled its festive stamp designs for this year.

This year the festive stamps will depict scenes from the classic nativity story.

Royal Mail said the six "stunning" stamps will feature scenes from the Biblical story of the nativity from the Annunciation and the birth of Christ.

The news has been welcomed by the the church in Worcester.

The Bishop of Dudley, The Rt Revd Graham Usher, said: "The Post Office have chosen stunning contemporary designs that go to the heart of the message of Jesus’ birth celebrated at Christmas.

"I welcome the vibrant colours that draw us in to be witnesses ourselves of God coming among us in the form of a vulnerable baby.

"The 1st class stamp shows Jesus’ family under a flimsy shelter beneath a scary sky, the 2nd class of them on the move; both designs remind us of the needs of many people in our world today."

The stamps have been illustrated by London born artist David Holmes.

Andrew Hammond, of the Royal Mail, says the designs are "charming".

"Christmas is a stamp issue we particularly look forward to. The charming style of these designs sets the perfect tone for the festive season" he said.

The Royal Mail recommended people get their mail posted by Saturday, December 19, for second-class mail, Monday, December 21, for first-class and Wednesday, December 23, for special delivery.

There will be no deliveries from Christmas Day until December 29, as Monday December 28 is a bank holiday.

The Christmas stamps initiative was launched in 1966.