SCARBOROUGH has helped celebrate more than 330 years of slapstick comedy with the launch of a set of six new stamps featuring Punch and Judy.

Giant versions of the stamps - which also show fellow puppets icons the policeman, crocodile, clown and beadle - were unveiled during the launch at the seaside town.

Punch and Judy took centre stage for the event - not only giving a performance to children visiting the seaside, but also helping Yorkshire performer Tony Clarke to show off the stamps.

Tony's father, Bryan, created the puppets featured on the stamps, especially for Royal Mail.

Royal Mail's Scarborough area manager, Alison Wright, said: "Punch has been around for over 300 years and, as Royal Mail itself is 350 years old, we wanted a traditional feel for the stamps - which is why the wooden puppets were created especially for the designs.

"Punch and Judy are obviously linked with seaside performances, and we thought it only right to come along to Scarborough to launch the stamps."

The six new stamps - which will be available from Post Offices on September 4 - are all First Class.

A pack, which opens up into a miniature Punch and Judy booth and contains the stamps and background information, will also be available.

Updated: 11:38 Tuesday, August 21, 2001