SPORTING heroes from the region are being featured on a new set of stamps to mark the 150th anniversary of the Football Association.

The Royal Mail collection includes England stars, Bobby Charlton and Bryan Robson, who grew up in the region, but went on the play for Manchester United.

Newcastle and England legend Kevin Keegan also appears, with goalkeeper Gordon Banks, genius winger George Best and World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore also amongst the players featured.

Another of the 11 legends, Scotland's Denis Law, said: “It is a great honour to be featured on these Royal Mail stamps.

“I am thrilled to be featured alongside some our most brilliant players. The stamp design, based on a team photo, reminds me of the fantastic days of my youth.”

The Football Heroes launch, in the anniversary year of the Football Association, coincides with the 140th anniversary year of the Scottish Football Association.

The stamps have been illustrated by artist Andrew Kinsman, who took existing photography of all the players, then created a composite artwork, so when the 11 stamps are placed together, they form a traditional team shot.

All players have been inducted in the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame. Sir Trevor Brooking, FA Director of Football Development, said: “Everyone who loves football has their favourite players from the past.

“It might have been one of the greats they tried to emulate in the school playground or a superstar they would idolise while watching on from the terraces as a fan.”

The stamps launch on May 9, but fans can pre-order by registering at www.royalmail.com/footballheroes