Royal Mail bosses have so far refused to issue the set of stamps which feature the face of Gunner Lee Thornton along with other soldiers who have been killed in action.

The artwork, by renowned artist Steve McQueen, has been the subject of much debate since the stamps went on public display last year at the Imperial War Museum.

Gunner Thornton's parents, Mick and Karen, joined dozens of other families in giving their consent for the face of their loved one to be used.

Now a campaign to have the stamp issued by Royal Mail is gathering momentum with thousands signing an online petition to have them out in the public domain.

It comes as a survey by ICM shows seven out of 10 people do not think enough is done to recognise UK troops who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mrs Thornton, from Marton, said: "This is a brilliant tribute to those who have been killed in action.

"I know Lee would be very proud of these stamps and would like to see them issued by the Royal Mail.

"It's a great way of remembering those who have lost their lives in the Middle East.

"This is how we should remember them. We should never forget what they did and this way we will be able to see them every day."

Lee, a former Palatine High School pupil, was fatally wounded as his patrol came under fire close to the southern city of Basra on September 5, 2006.

He died just 24 hours after his best friend, Gunner Stephen Wright, from Leyland, was killed by a roadside bomb.

Mr McQueen's project, Queen and Country, is supported by dozens of families who have all lost loved ones in the two conflicts.
An inquest into the death of Gunner Thornton is to reopen at Blackpool Town Hall on March 18.