UK gaming triumphs such as Sensible Soccer and Tomb Raider in new Royal Mail stamps

Tomb Raider, which was created by developers in Derby and went onto to became a global franchise selling more than 74 million copies worldwide, is among the country's selected creative successes.

Royal Mail of a set of 8 stamps, part of a set of stamps released of classic video games. Pictures: Royal Mail / PA

The new set includes four stamps presented in a Miniature-Sheet, chronicling protagonist Lara Croft through the years.

"The UK has been at the forefront of the video games industry for decades," said Royal Mail's Philip Parker.

Royal Mail stamp of the video game Adventures of Lara Croft

"In the 1980s and 90s young designers grappled with coding on the new microcomputers and set the template for the industry with iconic games.

"We celebrate some of their landmark creations on stamps."

Royal Mail stamp of the video game Dizzy

Space trading title Elite, the Dizzy series and 1989's Populous complete the set, as well as Scottish-made Lemmings, Micro Machines, Sensible Soccer, Wipeout and Worms.

Royal Mail stamp of the video game Sensible Soccer

Royal Mail chose the games with the help of gaming trade body UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie).

Royal Mail stamp of the video game Wipeout

"This collection celebrates a selection of the great British video games that have helped define both the national and global development scene over decades," said Ukie chief executive Dr Jo Twist.

Royal Mail stamp of the video game Wipeout

"Video games are a key part of our cultural footprint and we're pleased to see their contribution recognised in such memorable style."

Royal Mail stamp of the video game Lemmings

The set will be available in a presentation pack for £14.25, to pre-order online or buy in Post Offices from January 21.

Royal Mail stamp of the video game Worms

Royal Mail miniature-sheet of stamps that chart the evolution of Tomb Raider