Launch of Sark's first official stamps 'proud moment'

The first issue of stamps marked the island's wartime history

The launch of Sark's first official postage stamps is a "proud moment", Guernsey Post has said.

People are being encouraged to pick up the new stamps, which were released on 27 August and 3 September, from the island's post office.

The stamps "tell the island's story" and include images of the German Occupation, its subsequent liberation, and its vast array of wildflowers.

Bridget Yabsley, from Guernsey Post, said: "[This] is a proud moment for the island's community. We are honoured to share this heritage with people in Sark and beyond."

Sark is the first island to issue British stamps for more than 40 years, after Alderney launched its own stamps in 1983.

Guernsey Post marked the "historic milestone"

The first issue of the stamps reflected the island's wartime experiences.

Four stamps illustrated moments from the German Occupation during World War Two and another four commemorated the island's 80th anniversary of Liberation, celebrated earlier this year.

A second issue celebrated Sark's natural beauty with a series featuring the island's wildflowers.

Home to more than 600 species, Sark is a sanctuary for flora such as the early-blooming Lesser Celandine, the vivid Bluebells, and the rare Sand Crocus, according to the Isle of Sark.

It said the collection also highlighted the Rock Sea-Lavender, which grows only on Sark's cliffs and nowhere else in the world.