Royal Mail will pay tribute to man’s best friend on 5 February with 6 stamps showing working dogs in action.

Fighting crime, saving lives and simply making everyday tasks a little easier are just some of the vital roles performed by thousands of the UK’s working dogs.

Royal Mail pay tribute to man’s best friend with 6 stamps showing working dogs in action

This week Max, a German Shepherd Police dog, launched the Royal Mail Working Dogs Special Stamps, on the Millennium Bridge in the City of London.

Max and other highly trained police dogs provide an invaluable service to the City of London. Max and his canine colleagues protect citizens and businesses throughout the capital’s financial district 365 days a year, helping to apprehend criminals, uncover evidence and keep unruly crowds under control.

This is the first time a set of special stamps has been devoted entirely to these highly trained dogs, with the issue celebrating two important events; 2008 is the Year of the Assistance Dog, and also marks 100 years since the first British police dogs walked their beat at Hull Docks.

Working Dogs are invaluable to their handlers and owners. With highly skilled training they are used in a variety of essential tasks such as assisting with mobility problems, raising alarms, tracking, chasing, thwarting smugglers and pin-pointing lost or injured people.

Julietta Edgar, Head of Special Stamps, Royal Mail, said: "It’s easy to forget that there’s a 'secret army' of thousands of hardworking dogs who make a real difference to many lives. I hope that this issue will help raise the profile of their important work as customers see the dogs on millions of letters and parcels every day."

Endal, a Labrador Assistance Dog, helping his owner post a letter in Gordon Square, Central London, launching Royal Mail Working Dogs Special Stamps. On sale 5th February 2008. Assistance dog Endal launches the series of stamps by posting the first one. 12 year old Endal is still the only dog to be able to perform this feat. Next month he is due to make his record 11th appearance at Crufts.