The kestrel Bramble is four-years-old

Bramble, a four-year-old kestrel, is featured in five stamps, being issued on 14 January, in various stages of flight.

The kestrel, from the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary in Stonham Aspal, was photographed by expert animal photographer Stephen Dalton.

Julie Finnis, head warden at the sanctuary, took Bramble down to the photographer's studio in Surrey.

'Stunning stamps'

"I had to get Bramble to fly over and over again," he said.

"I think the stamps are stunning."

The stamps also feature a Barn Owl from a sanctuary in Eppping in different stages of flight.

A spokeswoman for the Royal Mail said: "Birds are the most popular with collectors.

"This new issue features a block of 10 first-class stamps in two rows of five.

"Stephen Dalton, one of the world's best exponents of multi-flash animal photography, captured the birds in flight."

Bramble takes part in kestrel flying displays which help raise money for the sanctuary.