A NEW set of stamps is being issued to mark the 250th anniversary of North-East born Captain Cook setting sail on one of the greatest voyages of discovery of all time.

The ten stamps include original drawings and paintings of indigenous peoples, landscapes of the South Pacific and flora and fauna which amazed the scientific establishment at the time.

Almost 100 men, including astronomers, artists and scientists, were on board HM Bark Endeavour when it set off in August 1768.

The vessel returned to the UK in July 1771 after circumnavigating the globe and mapping more than 5,000 miles of coastline.

During the expedition, Marton-born Cook and his men initiated the first European contact with Eastern Australia, mapped New Zealand and observed the transit of Venus across the Sun.

Cook’s pursuit of new knowledge and information helped to correct the positions of many Pacific islands which had been incorrectly placed by earlier travellers

Royal Mail’s Philip Parker said: “On board the Endeavour were scientists and artists who recorded their findings and the ship brought back thousands of specimens and illustrations which amazed society.”

The stamps will be available from August 16.