A well-loved greeting card character made a visit to the children’s ward at Noble’s Hospital to celebrate new Isle of Man Post Office stamps.

The Christmas stamps feature a selection of 10 greeting cards to mark 100 years of the Greeting Card Association (GCA).

Tatty the Teddy, who appears on one of the stamps, and members of the association made a special trip to the island with brief stops at Manton’s in Port Erin and at Noble’s Hospital to hand out some gift bags.

Maxine Cannon, general manager of Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, said: ’We are pleased to present this joyful delivery of 10 beautiful and diverse greeting cards as our festive stamp set for Christmas.

’The set celebrates the centenary of the GCA and we are delighted to have been able to collaborate with the GCA and industry-leader Geoff Sanderson to mark the occasion and showcase the range of the membership’s work.’

Mr Sanderson said: ’I was honoured to be asked to curate the cards used in this very special collection of stamps on behalf of the GCA.

’The designs chosen evoke the spirit of the season, whilst featuring beautiful artwork from some of our leading artists and illustrators - showcasing the work of the publishers that the GCA supports.’

Spending £1.7 billion a year on greeting cards, the British are the most prolific card-sending nation in the world. The UK also leads the world in greeting card design and innovation which sees millions of UK cards exported all over the globe.

The stamps will be sold at certain kiosks, post office counter network and via hand-held vending machines at events. Ramsey Philatelic Services can provide service to customers world wide.