Children's illustrations bear stamp of creative talent

A special series of stamps featuring designs by Hong Kong children will be issued on March 30.

The young artists used different materials to produce the illustrations, which were winners of the 2004 Stamp Design Competition.

Six stamps priced from $1.40 to $5 will be issued as part of the Children's Stamps series. The winning entries feature bears dressed in various outfits, including traditional Hakka clothing, a Chinese wedding gown and an embroidered apron.

The first-day cover features a cuddly bear floating on a puffy white cloud against a backdrop of blue sky.

Postmaster-General Allan Chiang Yam-wang said the competition was aimed at stimulating children's interest in stamp collection. He said the entries showed rich imagination and creativity.

'It is gratifying to see Hong Kong's youth taking an interest in stamps as a healthy and educational hobby and using their intellect and their ability to create such impressive art,' he said.