Wallace and Gromit among familiar faces on Royal Mail stamps

Wallace and Gromit, Morph and Shaun The Sheep are to adorn a new selection of Royal Mail stamps.

It is hoped the Aardman Animations characters will "bring a smile to everyone's face", the postal service company said.

Some of the most celebrated characters created by the Bristol-based firm feature on the set of eight stamps.

Other fan favourites include Feathers McGraw, Timmy, Robin, Frank The Tortoise and Rocky and Ginger.

The stamps are available to pre-order and will be on general sale from 19 October.

Aardman Animations was founded in 1972 and is best known for its films using stop-motion and clay modelling animation techniques.

Speaking about the collaboration, Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy David Gold said: "These instantly recognisable, iconic animated characters have found a place in our hearts.

"We are certain they will add a bit of joy to any envelope."

In addition to the eight stamps, an exclusive miniature sheet, created specially for Royal Mail by Aardman, will also be available.

On the miniature sheet, Wallace and Gromit celebrate four of their favourite moments displayed on the wall in their home at 62 West Wallaby Street.

Key moments on the stamps include those from Wallace and Gromit animated short films A Matter Of Loaf And Death, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave and A Grand Day Out.

Aardman's managing director Sean Clarke said: "We have had the pleasure of creating these films featuring these much-loved characters over the last 40 years, so it is a real honour for the studio to receive this royal stamp of approval.

"It's a true testament to all the hard work that goes into making these productions and we are sure that our fans will enjoy them."