Isle of Man Stamps and Coins was among the strong Manx representation at the opening stages of the Tour de France.

Working in partnership with ‘Welcome to Yorkshire’, and celebrating the Grand Depart, it released a one-off series of collectables endorsed by Yorkshire man and cycling legend Brian Robinson.

A special postmark for the Harewood House Grand Depart has been produced.

Brian Robinson was the first Briton ever to finish at first attempt in 1955 and in 1958 became the first Briton ever to win a stage, winning another stage again in 1959.

He provides an introductory narrative for the six special edition collectables which draws upon his own unique insight into the Tour de France and, in particular, the gruelling conditions in which the racers competed during the first stage over the Yorkshire dales from Leeds to Harrogate.

Each of the six special edition stamps use a high definition image of the iconic landmark associated with a stage, including the Leeds Arena.

The sheets also feature images of York Minster Cathedral, the grand university buildings of the 'city of cycling' Cambridge, the tree lined historic streets of Harrogate and Buckingham Palace 'Mall'.

Harrogate in particular is a site of special interest to cycling fans and is the birthplace of the ‘Manx Missile’, Mark Cavendish's mum.

Each of the officially branded 2014 sheetlets is also accompanied by a course map, and features a different cycling hero associated with each stage, including Mark Cavendish in Harrogate, Brian Robinson in York, Bradley Wiggins in Cambridge and for the stages across to France, Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Jacques Anquetil, Eugene Christophe, ending with Bernard Hinault, five times Tour champion, at the Champs Elysees in Paris.

The iconic collection is available in a variety of formats, a set of six mint or special postmarked sheetlets, a set of six mint or special postmarked postcards, a gift pack containing six mint sheetlets with a complete set of mint prepaid postcards and a mint sheetlet gift set all of which celebrates ‘Le Grand Depart Yorkshire, The Road to Paris.’

Brian Robinson said: ‘My international career started in 1950 when I went to the Isle of Man with a group of lads from my Club to take part in Cycle Week. To be part of a stamp issue which ties together the Grand Depart, my home county Yorkshire and the Island after 64 years of enjoyment from the sport, is the real summit of my career.

'I am delighted that through the Grand Depart Collectibles, the Dave Rayner Fund will benefit financially, this is a charity which helps promising young cyclists to reach their potential and who knows one day may ride The Tour.’