The Royal Mail unveils special Charles Dickens stamps

Actors portray Dickensian characters Credit: David Parry/PA Wire

A new set of stamps is to be released today celebrating the life and work of one of the world's most famous novelists, Charles Dickens.

The stamps, issued to mark the bicentenary of Dickens' birth, feature iconic characters from his tales that have characterised Victorian London for generations.

The first-class stamp features Mr Pickwick from The Pickwick Papers while Mr Bumble, the parish beadle from Oliver Twist, is featured on the second-class stamp.

The set also comprises The Marchioness from The Old Curiosity Shop, Mrs Gamp from Martin Chuzzlewitt, Captain Cuttle from Dombey and Son and Mr Micawber from David Copperfield.

The first-class stamp features Dickensian characters Credit: David Parry/PA Wire