The second set of Royal Mail's London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games stamps will be issued next week to mark the two year countdown to the event.

In total Royal Mail will issue 30 1st Class stamps in the run-up to the 30th Olympiad and London 2012 Paralympic Games as part of its role as an official licensee of the Games.

The latest issue, titled 'On Track for 2012', goes on sale on 27 July and utilises ten images by leading artists.

The designs feature sports such as hockey, goalball and football, and more recent additions including taekwondo and BMX cycling.

Each of the striking stamps was created by a different artist using techniques such as photography, collage and illustration.

Royal Mail stamps spokesman Philip Parker said: "This series of stamps is creating a fascinating montage of the sports which make the Olympics and Paralympics one of the greatest events on the planet.

"In addition to appearing on millions of letters, the stamps also form part of a wonderful sporting collection to celebrate the 30th Olympiad."

The third and final stamp set - which will feature the London 2012 Olympic Games or Paralympic Games logo - will be issued in 2011.

MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: Royal Mail / Solent News / Rex Features