A competition is being launched for schoolchildren to design stamps to mark the role played by frontline workers and others during the coronavirus crisis.

Royal Mail said the winning designs will form a special set of eight stamps which will be released in Spring 2022.

Children aged 4-14 will be asked to consider who their heroes are, and to design a stamp in their honour.

Royal Mail said heroes could include NHS staff, refuse collectors, cleaners, teachers, supermarket workers, public transport staff, delivery drivers and postmen and women.

There have also been many volunteers who have helped in their local communities or raised money for charity, such as Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Children have only designed official Royal Mail stamps four times in the company’s history – in 1966, 1981, 2013 and 2017.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The last year has been one of the most difficult any of us can remember, but throughout it all our Covid heroes have been there for us, inspired us and done so much for others.

“From our family members, teachers, doctors and nurses to our vaccine scientists and fundraisers, we want to recognise and remember them.

“That’s why we’re launching a special competition with Royal Mail for children across the country to design a new stamp collection featuring their Covid heroes so we can honour their tremendous work.”

Simon Thompson, Royal Mail’s chief executive, said: “Over the past year there have been so many wonderful examples of people who, despite much uncertainty and fear, have continued about their work with such admirable determination and pride.”

Entries must be received by May 28 and winners will be announced in the autumn.