THE world-famous Jodrell Bank observatory has been chosen to represent the letter J in a new set of stamps featuring an A to Z of iconic landmarks from all four countries in the UK.

The stamp series is launched tomorrow with part one, a set of 12 first class stamps from A to L.

These stamps take a look at some of the UK’s most famous sights, ranging from ancient through to modern and from the mystical to the magnificent.

To represent the letter J, Royal Mail has included the giant Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank, part of The University of Manchester.

Since 1957, the Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank has been probing the depths of space.

Even now, it remains one of the biggest and most powerful radio telescopes in the world, spending most of its time investigating cosmic phenomena which were undreamed of when it was conceived.

Dr Teresa Anderson, director of The University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, said: “We are delighted that Jodrell Bank has been recognised as the iconic J in the new Royal Mail ‘A to Z of the UK’ stamp issue.

“Jodrell Bank is a major UK landmark, and carries out world-leading research in astrophysics – which makes it a very special place.”

Philip Parker, Royal Mail stamps spokesman, said: “Our A to Z stamps showcase some of the nation’s most famous features, celebrating areas across the UK that are enjoyed by millions of people.

“Jodrell Bank is a familiar feature of the Cheshire landscape and an internationally-renowned landmark that makes for a wonderfully powerful image on a first class stamp.”