The Post Office is commemorating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a set of eight stamps, themed on the lyrics of the UK national anthem.

The 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, as Britain’s longest reigning monarch, will involve celebrations taking place across the Commonwealth.

The issue will fund the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative (tree planting) in the island.

Two of each of the eight stamps are valued at 67p, £1.02, £1.26 and £1.71 and feature images selected as ’representative’ of Queen’s reign.

The collection has been designed by local designer Emma Cooke of EJC Design.

And the issue text was written by prolific royal biographer Lady Colin Campbell.

Lady Campbell said: ’I feel very honoured to have been asked to provide the words which accompany the stamps commemorating our beloved Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

’She has been the ideal exemplar of what a constitutional monarch should be for the last seventy years, and I know I am but one of many who feel privileged to have lived under such a sterling head of state’.

In her issue text she writes: ’The images selected as representative of Her Majesty’s reign do indeed convey both its longevity and its tremendous scope.

’The words "God save our gracious Queen" are rightly emblazoned across the stamp where the young monarch is portrayed in archetypal regal glamour, King George’s diamond and pearl State Diadem (which is now only ever worn by queens) offset by magnificent jewels and evening gown, across which is the blue riband of the Order of the Garter, founded in 1384 by her many-times great-grandfather King Edward III.

’Carrying through on the traditional theme of historic splendour, the stamp bearing the words "Long live our noble Queen" portrays Elizabeth II, wearing the Imperial State Crown, in the Gold State Coach on her way to her coronation in 1953.

The collection is available as a stamp set, sheet set, limited edition presentation pack, a limited edition first day cover, or a limited edition a first day cover, signed by Lady Campbell (limited to 250).

For the Manx connection, the seventh stamp features the Queen’s visit on Tynwald Day in 2003, when the Post Office presented her with an album of their Golden Jubilee postal collections.

Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer said: ’Her Majesty the Queen, Lord of Mann, has reigned through an extraordinary period of history, with steadfastness, dignity and grace.

’It is indeed an honour to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee this year and I am delighted that the Isle of Man has produced these wonderful stamps in commemoration of a truly remarkable monarch, who has given so much to so many over her 70-year reign.’

It is available in post offices or www.iompost.com/stamps-coins/collection/her-majesty-queen-elizabeth-ii---70th-anniversary-of-the-accession-to-the-throne/