ROYAL Mail marked the London 2010 Festival of Stamps and its biggest event - the London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition - with two new miniature sheets.

The first, the Accession of George V, celebrates the centenary of the accession of the philatelist king, and was issued on the anniversary date, May 6.

The second sheet, the King’s Stamps Miniature Sheet, was issued on May 8 to mark the start of the exhibition, during which thousands of collectors from around the world descended on the capital for the major decennial exhibition.

The Accession of King George V Miniature Sheet includes one 1st class stamp and one £1 stamp.

The 1st class stamp features the familiar Machin profile of Queen Elizabeth II, superimposed over the profile of George V, designed by the Australian sculptor Bertram Mackennal.

The £1 stamps shows the Mackennal profile on the right while the left hand side shows the three-quarter profile of George V, which was used on the first definitive stamps of the reign.

The King’s Stamps Miniature Sheet is printed in a combination of lithography and intaglio and reproduces classic stamps from the reign of George V.

Stamps and stamp products are available at all Post Office branches, online at www.royalmail.com/stamps and from Royal Mail Tallents House, 21 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, or by calling 08457 641 641.

To be in with a chance of winning a set of the stamps, just answer the following question: On what date in May is the anniversary of the Accession of George V?

Please include your name and address with your entry. Closing date is Wednesday, June 9. Usual rules apply and the editor's decision is final.

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