A set of six stamps honouring the service of the nation's armed forces has been revealed by Royal Mail .

The stamps go on issue on Armistice Day, 11 November .

This year, Armistice Day marks 110 years since the Battle of the Somme , which began on 1 July 1916 and became one of the defining battles of the First World War .

Specially commissioned artworks by British artist Matthew Cook feature on all six stamps, reflecting different aspects of remembrance.

Each has been painted with a colour palette inspired by the red poppy.

A woman salutes an RAF flypast (PA)

“Remembrance holds a profound place in our national life,” David Gold of Royal Mail said.

“Through these stamps, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who have served our country through two world wars and many other conflicts.

“Matthew Cook’s poignant artworks provide a fitting and powerful way to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many courageous men and women across the generations.”

Mr Cook has served as a reservist in the…