Dennis the Menace has got it licked at 70! Royal Mail issues set of stamps to mark anniversary of Beano icon

He's been a favourite of British children since 1951 – and now Dennis the Menace is being celebrated on Royal Mail stamps.

They were released to mark 70 years of the iconic Beano comic character. Six stamps are black and white and will be based on the original comic strips.

Another four were designed by the current Dennis artist Nigel Parkinson. The stamps go on sale today. 

Natasha Ayivor, of Royal Mail, said: 'For seven decades Dennis has been entertaining children by getting into all manner of mischief and mayhem.

Dennis the Menace is being celebrated on Royal Mail stamps as the iconic Beano character has been a favourite of British children since 1951

One of the stamps comes from Dennis's first comic strip in 1951 as he is told by a man in a pinstriped suit walking his dog to 'keep off the grass' 

They were released to mark 70 years of the iconic Beano comic character. Six stamps are black and white and will be based on the original comic strips

'Generations have experienced the excitement and anticipation of reading about Dennis's latest prank.

'Royal Mail is delighted to be honouring Dennis and Gnasher with a set of stamps as the ultimate birthday present.'

Mike Stirling, editorial director of Beano Studios, said: 'Dennis has stamped his personality across first class laughs and mischief for generations of children.

'We believe everyone has a little bit of the Dennis spirit within them, so can't wait for fans big and small to take delivery of this amazing piece of Dennis history.

Another four of the stamps, which go on sale today, were designed by the current Dennis artist Nigel Parkinson

One of the stamps features the scene where Dennis adopts Gnasher, taken from a 1968 comic featuring the iconic children's character

Other stamps featured in the collection carry illustrations by Nigel Parkinson of other characters such as Minnie the Minx and Gnasher the dog

'This incredible stamp collection really pushes the envelope of philately flattery for our hero.'

Royal Mail collaborated with Beano Studios on selecting all the stamps and associated imagery.

Dennis was first brought to life in a pencil sketch in January 1951, making his debut in the Beano later that year.

Dennis was first brought to life in a pencil sketch in January 1951, making his debut in the Beano later that year. Pictured: A Dennis the Menace stamp featuring Dennis and his family 

Natasha Ayivor, of Royal Mail, said: 'For seven decades Dennis has been entertaining children by getting into all manner of mischief and mayhem', adding: 'Royal Mail is delighted to be honouring Dennis and Gnasher with a set of stamps as the ultimate birthday present'

One of the stamps, inspired by a 1998 comic, features Dennis meeting his little sister Bea, dressed in yellow and black, for the first time