It's not everyone who gets to design a Royal Mail stamp.

But that is just what Raphael Valle Martin, a year 10 student at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School has done.

Raphael entered a national competition for school children to design a stamp on the theme of Heroes of the Pandemic.

He was one of eight children from across the country to have his design chosen by the Prince of Wales.

Raphael was the only winner from Kent.

The final designs showcase the children’s heroes from all walks of life; from bus and delivery drivers to food bank volunteers, NHS workers and vaccine scientists and even Captain Tom.

There were 606,049 entrants - the largest number in any Royal Mail design competition

Raphael's head or art, Alex Kublik, said: "As soon as we saw Rafi’s piece we had a feeling it would go far!

"We were so impressed with not only the beautiful quality of his skilled composition, but also the thoughtfulness behind his design, and his recognition of NHS cleaners and the work that they do to keep a hospital running. We are exceedingly proud of him!”

Raphael, 14, who travelled to Clarence House yesterday to receive the congratulations of the Prince, said: "I never dreamt when I created the artwork that I would be one of only eight winners out of 606,000 entries. It was a surreal experience to meet our future King and I can’t wait to see my stamp design on letters."

Over the coming weeks each winner will have a special dedicated postmark that will celebrate their achievement.

The postmark will be applied to stamped mail delivered to addresses nationwide

All eight winning designs were approved by The Queen

The stamps can be pre-ordered from today by visiting www.royalmail.com/heroes or by phone to 03457 641 641.

They go on general sale from March 23.

Simon Thompson, the chief executive of Royal Mail said: "As we approach the second anniversary of the first lockdown, it’s fitting that the nation’s children have taken the lead in celebrating the heroes of the pandemic. They have captured the resilience and determination of the British people in eight drawings. I think they look great!”

The winners will receive £1,000 in high-street vouchers for themselves and £1,000 for their respective schools.