The new “plastic fiver” able to withstand a spin through the washing machine was printed in Epping Forest.

So far 440million of the new “cleaner, safer and stronger” Bank of England notes, released today (September 13), have been printed at the bank’s works in Debden – a total of £2.2billion.

The currency features former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, who was MP for Epping and Woodford constituencies.

The polymer notes include new security features to make them harder to forge, are resistant to dirt and moisture, and are strong enough to last for more than twice as long as the current two year expectancy.

The new material means they can be repeatedly folded and can even survive the washing machine.

The notes are now available from cash machines and banks, and people are likely to see them in the coming days and weeks.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney said: “The new fiver commemorates one of the greatest statesmen of all time, Winston Churchill, who remarked that ‘a nation that forgets its past has no future’.

“Banknotes are repositories of the United Kingdom’s collective memory, and we will be reminded of Churchill’s enormous contributions as he once again becomes part of our daily lives as the new fiver flows out into tills and pockets.”

Paper £5 notes will be gradually withdrawn but can be used as legal tender until May 5 2017, after which they can still be exchanged at the Bank of England.

A new polymer £10 featuring Jane Austin will be released in summer 2017 and a £20 with J.M.W Turner by 2020.