A set of stamps have been released to mark the 125th anniversary of the Manx Electric Railway.

In August, a competition was launched to find extraordinary images from MER enthusiasts.

Four winners have their photographs on the stamp collection. Runners-up photographs will be used on additional products that complete the collection, including a presentation pack, prestige booklet, decorative sheet and First Day Cover.

Competition winner Richard Pryke said: ’It’s a great honour to be part of such a celebration and fantastic to see my image of this iconic Railway on a stamp. I am looking forward to becoming further involved in the Manx Electric Railway’s anniversary events.’

MER birthday celebrations includes a festival organised by the transport bosses from September 1 to 8.

Ian Longworth, director of Isle of Man Transport, said: ’We are incredibly proud that the Isle of Man is home to rolling stock that features in the Guinness Book of Records for having the oldest trams in the world still operating on its original system.

’It’s great to see everyone embracing the anniversary and September promises to be a fantastic week of celebrations.

’I hope island residents as well as tourists will enjoy the festival.’

Maxine Cannon, general manager for Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, said: ’We have partnered with Isle of Man Transport on a number of their significant anniversaries, but the fact that these stamps feature images from Manx Electric Railway enthusiasts makes these very special.

’We are also particularly pleased that over the coming months these stamps will also be dispensed from our kiosks and counter network, replacing the current triskelion design’.