THE bi-centenary of one of history's greatest naval victories is celebrated by Royal Mail with six extra-wide stamps.

To mark the last great sea battle of the period and Nelson's finest victory, Royal Mail has also issued a 24-page prestige stamp book and special presentation pack, both written by the maritime historian and author Richard Woodman.

The Trafalgar stamps feature William Heath's magnificent 32ft long panoramic painting, which charts events from the moment the Franco-Spanish fleet sailed from Cadiz.

This fragile and rarely displayed watercolour, A Panorama of the Battle of Trafalgar, was completed in around 1825 and is held at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.

Juliette Edgar, head of special stamps, Royal Mail, said: "I'm delighted that this rarely seen work of art will be 'viewed' by people again on millions of letters every day.

"The use of William Heath's amazing watercolour on the long landscape format has produced a truly first class set of stamps and a fitting commemoration to this decisive historical moment."

Roy Clare, director of the National Maritime Museum, said: "Bi-centenary Trafalgar celebrations across the country, organised by SeaBritain 2005, and the success of our own Nelson and Napoleon exhibition, are testament to Nelson's lasting legacy.

"We're proud that one of our many paintings is featured on the Royal Mail special stamps so that millions of people can see the role that sea-faring and the Navy plays in our nation's history."

Limited edition stamp, coin and medal covers have also been produced with the Royal Mint to mark the anniversary.

The Shuttle/Times and News has teamed up with Royal Mail to run a competition where 20 readers can each win a set of the special stamps.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question:

Which artist's painting features on the stamps?

The closing date is Friday, November 4.