Shabana Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Ladywood, is encouraging children to get involved in a Royal Mail stamp design competition, honouring the heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Royal Mail intends to honour the heroes of the pandemic by producing a set of eight stamps, featuring designs created by eight school-aged children. A special panel of judges will pick the winning designs. The final eight stamps will then be sent to Her Majesty the Queen, before finally being printed and issued. The winning set of stamps will be released in Spring 2022. Children have only been asked to design stamps for the Royal Mail four times previously; 1966, 1982, 2013 and 2017.

The Heroes Stamp Design competition is open to all UK-based children aged 4-14.

Children may choose to illustrate the frontline health and social care workers who have been vital to getting us through the pandemic, or other key workers such as refuse collectors, teachers, supermarket staff, public transport staff and postal workers. Or they may choose to highlight volunteers who have helped in their local communities or those who have raised money for charity.

Guidelines state that clear designs using rich colours are preferred, but to avoid the use of fluorescent inks or highlighter pens. Entries must be the child’s own original hand drawn work, and drawings must be flat. Children may use drawing packages on a computer or tablet if they wish to, but the design must not be computer enhanced or generated. Children can enter independently or via their school, and should be sure to consult the competition rules on the official website when designing their stamp.

Shabana Mahmood is encouraging all eligible children in Birmingham Ladywood to enter the competition.

The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday 28th May 2021.

Shabana Mahmood MP said: 

“It is important that we recognise those who have supported us throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and this is an excellent opportunity to do so. There are so many heroes in our area for our children to choose from, be it the retail workers, local carers, teachers or family friends who have helped out.

“Covid-19 has placed unimaginable strains on the country and our families. But what we have seen in our community is a never-ending determination to look out for one another. This competition is a chance for our children to immortalise this spirit in a limited-edition stamp.

“I’m encouraging all eligible children in Birmingham Ladywood to get involved in this competition. Especially as this is only the fifth time in the Royal Mail’s history where such a competition has taken place. This is a fantastic opportunity for our kids during half-term and I hope as many of you as possible will get involved.”

Notes to editor:

Those wishing to enter the competition should visit – https://www.stampcompetition.ichild.co.uk/