Guernsey post unveils Christmas stamps: first ever Alderney Christmas stamps issued

Guernsey Post's Christmas stamps this year feature both Guernsey and Alderney issues - the first time in its 27-year history that Christmas stamps have been issued specifically for Alderney.

The stamp collections for Guernsey and Alderney share the theme of 'Christmas Carols'.

Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post, explained: "We have been listening to our customers and we recognised that there was interest in - and demand for - Christmas stamps specifically for Alderney. Producing two Christmas stamp issues was a first for us, but we knew from the start that we wanted something really special."

The Guernsey Christmas Carols stamps feature seven popular Christmas carols including 'The Holly and the Ivy' (31p), 'Little Donkey' (38p) and, depicted as a shining moon overlooking the skyline of St Peter Port, 'Silent Night' (45p).

Other carols featured in the Guernsey collection are 'I Saw Three Ships' (48p); 'Joy to the World' (50p); the upbeat 'Ding Dong Merrily on High' (58p); and 'We Three Kings' (80p).

The Alderney Christmas issue also features a selection of seven carols - all of which are well known - and comprises: 'O Christmas Tree' (31p); 'Away in a Manger' (36p); 'While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night' (45p); 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' (48p) 'O' Holy Night' (50p); 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' (58p); and 'Good King Wenceslas' (80p).

Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post commented: "Working closely with Guernsey-based agency Two Degrees North we have produced a range of stamps which offer something quite unique: a fresh, contemporary view of traditional carols.

"By giving the stamps graphic representation and adopting a contemporary use of typography the result is a fun, modern and vibrant collection - and a different take on the Christmas carols we know and love."

Chris Griffiths, creative director at Two Degrees North added: "Our brief was to create something completely original and a fresh approach to the more traditional staple of festive stamp design.

"We also wanted to add a gentle sense of humour across both sets of artwork that would bring the carols to life."