A COLLECTION of James Bond-themed stamps are to be printed by Royal Mail to mark the centenary of Ian Fleming's birth.

Six extra-long stamps each featuring the cover art for a different 007 novel will go on sale on January 8 in memory of the late author, who lived in Canterbury and would have turned 100 on May 28, 2008.

The collection, unveiled today, will be the first in Royal Mail's Special Stamp programme for 2008. Two first-class stamps will feature the artwork for all the editions of Casino Royale and Dr No. The 54p stamps reveal the covers of Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever, and two 78p stamps will bare the covers of For Your Eyes Only and From Russia With Love.

Fleming himself was responsible for the design of the Casino Royale and From Russia With Love covers.

Head of special stamps at Royal Mail Julietta Edgar said: "Royal Mail's special stamps are a national institution, marking famous anniversaries, celebrating the greatest events and showcasing the best of British.

“Special stamps mark great moments, famous anniversaries and important cultural themes; they’re miniature pieces of art and history rolled into one, and 2008’s stamp programme promises to be a classic year."