A jewel in the crown is given stamp of approval (From Tewkesbury Admag)

A jewel in the crown is given stamp of approval

CHIPPING Campden features on a new set of stamps depicting some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in England.

The north Cotswold town is one of only 10 places chosen by the Royal Mail as part of the England set of its British Journey series, which has so far featured locations in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and South West England. The stamps, all first class, will be issued next Tuesday.

The other scenes in the series include Beachy Head on the south coast; St Paul's Cathedral and Chamberlain Square in Birmingham.

Royal Mail spokesman Adrian Booth said Campden was selected because it is often described as the "most beautiful village in England".

Town council chairman Mark Annett was delighted. "I think it's jolly nice and very good publicity for the town," he said.

But stamp collectors across the country hoping to get a first day cover of the new stamp franked at Chipping Campden post office will be disappointed.

"People can come in and buy the envelopes and stamps from us and give them to us for franking, but the demand for first day covers is going to phenomenal and we can't keep up with it. It's impossible to do," said post office manager Jackie Guest.