To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the death of Charles Dickens, the Post Office has published a set of six stamps.

They feature five engravings from his book A Christmas Carol and a miniature portrait of the author from the same period as the book was written.

The highest value stamp features the ’lost portrait’ of Charles Dickens, depicting the literary star at the age of 31. The painting was lost for more than 130 years, and recently turned up in a box of trinkets in South Africa.

Art dealers Philip Mould and Company formally re-identified the portrait and it now resides in the Charles Dickens Museum, London.

Cindy Sughrue, director of the Charles Dickens Museum, said: ’Considering that Margaret Gillies’ portrait of Dickens was lost for over 130 years, it’s quite something to see it presented so beautifully on a stamp.’

Actor Simon Callow, patron of the Charles Dickens Museum, said: ’I am really very happy to be returning to the Charles Dickens Museum, one of my absolute favourite places on earth, to support the launch of this splendid suite of stamps.

’John Leech’s sketches were the very first illustrations of characters that had only just formed in the imagination of Charles Dickens and would soon become fixed in the hearts and minds of his readers.

’It’s a particularly nice touch that they’re joined in this set by the "eagle-eyed" portrait of Dickens, which captures him when he was in the midst of creating them.’

Maxine Cannon, general manager Isle of Man stamps and Coins, said: ’It is with immense pride that we commemorate Britain’s greatest writer and his work "A Christmas Carol" which is inextricably linked to Christmas.

’We would like to thank the Charles Dickens Museum for their guidance and permissions and Simon Callow for his support in bringing this wonderful collection to life.

’We are delighted to be able to offer our support to the Charles Dickens Museum to help them continue their incredible work in keeping such a prominent influence in the public eye.’

The ’Charles Dickens - 150th’ collection is available as a Set and Sheet Set, Presentation Pack and First Day Cover and a limited edition of First Day Covers signed by Simon Callow.