In August 2017, a competition was launched to find extraordinary images from Manx Electric Railway enthusiasts to help support the 125th Anniversary of the heritage service.
Isle of Man Post office staff were overwhelmed by the quality of entries and four winners have their photographs appear on the stamp collection. Runners-up photographs are used on additional products that complete the collection, including a presentation pack, prestige booklet, decorative sheet and first day cover. The set also includes Isle of Man Post Office's Europa stamp entry, for which this year's theme is 'bridges' and presents a photograph captured by transport expert David Lloyd-Jones showing the No 9 tram crossing Ballure Viaduct. Isle of Man Post Office have also announced that the Manx Electric Railway 125th Anniversary collection will form their second variable value definitive self-adhesive collection.
Competition winner Richard Pryke said: 'It's a great honour to be part of such a celebration and fantastic to see my image of this iconic Railway on a stamp. I am looking forward to becoming further involved in the Manx Electric Railway's anniversary events'.
This stamp collection forms part of the celebrations of the landmark anniversary, which includes a festival organised by the Department of Transport from 1st – 8th September 2018.
Maxine Cannon, General Manager for Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, said: 'We have partnered with Isle of Man Transport on a number of their significant anniversaries, but the fact that these stamps feature images from Manx Electric Railway enthusiasts makes these very special. We are also particularly pleased that over the coming months these stamps will also be dispensed from our kiosks and counter network, replacing the current triskelion design'.
The stamp collection is available to purchase now from www.iompost.com/MER125, or via postal order and telephone +44 (0) 01624 698430.