On 9 May 2015, MaltaPost will release a philatelic set of two stamps depicting traditional toys that were popular in Malta in the past. One of the stamps will also be entered for this year's EUROPA stamp competition themed "Old Toys".

The EUROPA stamp issues encourage cooperation between European postal operators, particularly with regard to the promotion of philately by creating awareness of Europe's common roots, culture, history and goals. For this year's stamp issue, MaltaPost took a nostalgic look at two typical Maltese toys that children played with in the past - the Cart (Karretta) featured on the €0.59 stamp and the Hoop (Ċirku) illustrated on the €2.19 stamp.

The €0.59 stamp will be Malta's entry for the Best EUROPA Stamp Contest. The contest is an annual online event where creative entries from across Europe compete for the best design. The public can vote for the best EUROPA stamp by visiting www.posteurop.org.

The stamp set was designed by the local artist Joe Mark Micallef and will be issued in a sheetlet bearing 11 stamps. Each stamp measures 30.5mm x 41mm, has a perforation of 13.7 x 13.8 (comb.) bearing the Maltese Crosses watermark while the sheetlet measures 147mm x 148mm. Printex Ltd has printed the stamps in offset and the issue consists of 39,600 of the €2.19 stamp and 99,000 of the €0.59.

This philatelic issue will be available from all Post Offices in Malta and Gozo as from Saturday 9 May 2015. Orders may be placed online at www.maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001; Telephone: 2596 1740, e-mail: info@maltaphilately.com.

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