A stunning stained glass window in one of our churches is featured on one of the Royal Mail’s new Christmas stamps.
This year’s £1.70 stamp features a section of the South Transept window at Otley All Saints’ Parish Church.
The window at All Saints’ was installed in 1862 and shows the Nativity on the lower tier and the Crucifixion on the upper tier.
The section featured on the Royal Mail stamp shows the Virgin Mary sitting with the baby Jesus on her lap.
Vicar of All Saints’ Rev Graham Buttanshaw said: “I’m delighted that our Nativity window will be on Royal Mail’s Christmas stamps this year.
“We are seeing and hearing so many dark and troubling stories in the current crisis.
“Nobody’s story is pain-free.
“May many find hope in the ‘big story’ of Christmas, in which the baby Jesus makes God’s love known.
“Good news - a vulnerable baby born in the Middle East, who became a refugee, grew up to save us all.”
Philip Parker, from Royal Mail, added: “Our beautiful Christmas stamps feature the Nativity as told through the artistry of different styles of stained-glass windows.”
The other stamps in the 2020 Christmas collection come from churches in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, and also in Norfolk, Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.
The stamps are on sale now and are available from Post Offices around the UK, 1,000 other retailers, or by visiting the Royal Mail website or calling 03457 641641.
The window at St Columba’s Church in Topcliffe features on the £2.50 stamp, and was installed in circa 1860. Second class stamps will feature artwork from St Andrew’s Church in East Lexham, Norfolk, while St Andrew’s Church in Coln Rogers, Gloucestershire, will be on first class stamps.
The Royal Mail is also reminding people to post early for Christmas with the last recommended day for second class mail being December 18 and December 21 for first class.