Well that's Christmas licked, Gromit: Wallace and his long-suffering dog to appear on Royal Mail stamps

They are already Christmas regulars whether it is on TV or emblazoned on that gift pair of pyjamas or novelty mug.



But this festive season there really won't be any escape from Wallace and Gromit.



The animated inventor, whose gadgets never quite work according to plan, and his long-suffering dog, will be delivering their brand of humour from the envelopes of millions of Christmas cards.

Wallace and Gromit will appear on five seasonal stamps for the Royal Mail

Animator Nick Park had to develop the scenes first, then they were shrunk to fit stamps

The characters will appear on five seasonal stamps.



On second-class mail, Wallace lets rip with the carols as Gromit raises an eyebrow (and no doubt thanks his lucky stars for his ear muffs).

On the first-class stamp, the dog posts his own stack of letters, while on the 60p stamp, the pair decorate a Christmas tree.



Gromit staggers under the weight of an enormous Christmas pudding on the 97p stamp, and on the £1.46, he receives that classic Christmas sweater...which looks a little on the large side.

These stamps will appear on millions of envelopes over Christmas

Animator Nick Park had to develop the scenes first, then they were shrunk to fit stamps.



Philip Parker, of Royal Mail, said the task was 'a labour of love'.

'Keen-eyed collectors armed with a magnifying glass will see the envelope being posted on the first-class stamp features the actual first-class stamp.'



Royal Mail publishes stamps with religious and secular themes in alternate years. 2010 is the turn of secular designs. But stamps featuring the Madonna and child are also on sale.

A Christmas favourite: Wallace And Gromit in The Wrong Trousers



