ROYAL Mail marks the incredible courage and heroism of soldiers in the Crimean War - 150 years after Britain entered the infamous conflict.

While history lessons may remind people of the Charge of the Light Brigade, or the dedication of Florence Nightingale and others, Royal Mail focuses on the British soldiers whose intense suffering shocked - and changed - a nation's thinking.

The stamps, issued thismonth, feature six soldiers with captions showing the soldier's rank, name, regiment and a brief description of where the soldier served.

The striking portraits were uncovered by Ian Chilvers at stamp designers Atelier Works. While researching the subject he came across an album entitled Crimean Heroes, photographed by Robert Howlett and Joseph Cundall.

The book was published after Queen Victoria ordered that photographs should be taken of all undecorated Crimean soldiers.

Like millions of her subjects, Victoria was shocked at the candid articles and vivid photographs telegraphed back to Britain from the front line.

Her personal interest and concern, together with that of her husband Prince Albert, saw the rapid introduction of the Victoria Cross after the war.

Victoria and Albert toured the country to meet the returning troops and, it was after one such visit to Woolwich Arsenal, London, that the six soldiers featured on the stamps were photographed.

The Shuttle/Times and News has teamed up with the Royal Mail to run a competition where 20 readers can each win a set of the stamps.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question:

Who uncovered the portraits on the stamps? by Friday, November 5.

Normal Newsquest rules apply.