Post Office to promote Island at Chinese expo

Isle of Man Post Office is to attend an international expo in China next year - and is marking the trip with a special stamp sheet.

A delegation from Stamps and Coins will travel to the 2015 China International Collection Expo in Beijing, to keep abreast of what it says is a rapidly-growing philately market.  

The miniature sheet to be launched on 2 January, celebrates the  Year of the Sheep, the eighth sign in the Chinese astrological calendar.

The artwork has been designed in partnership with the Isle of Man Chinese Association, and features vibrantly coloured images of sheep, with floral patterns, Chinese lanterns and calligraphy. 

The Post Office last month announced plans to close Crown offices in Ramsey and Douglas and relocate services in Spar stores, after the Retail division outlets ran-up an annual loss of more than half a million pounds. 

Pictured: Jenny Zhou holding a Year of Sheep miniature sheet blow-up.