Public asked to help design new Guernsey banknotes

The public will be invited to help create the new design of Guernsey banknotes

A new set of Guernsey banknotes will be developed for the first time in 30 years.

The plans to create an updated family of notes comes after the coronation of King Charles.

The existing paper designs, first released in the 1990s, still feature the late Queen Elizabeth II.

In a nod to the island's heritage, Guernsey States said it was employing currency specialists De La Rue - founded by Guernsey printer Thomas De La Rue in the 1800s - to carry out the work.

The development of new banknotes comes after the death of Queen Elizabeth II

The States said islanders would also get the chance to help in the creation of the new designs, with details set to be released in the coming months.

States Treasurer Bethan Haines said: "Our banknotes reflect the culture, history, natural landscape, architecture and important figures in our island, and designing a new family of notes is an exciting opportunity to reflect what Guernsey means in the 21st Century.

"As well as being part of our island life, our notes always pique the interest of visitors, and they of course appeal to collectors too.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing how the development of the designs takes shape, to produce something we can all be proud of for the coming decades."

Once approved, the new notes are scheduled to enter circulation by 2027.

An exhibition on the history of Guernsey banknotes will be held at Guernsey Museum in the autumn to celebrate the new banknotes.