VETERANS from Leyland have given their stamp of approval to the Royal Mail which is to commemorate hundreds of submariners who were killed in action.

A set of Royal Mail stamps came out on Tuesday (April 10) to honour Britain's most silent service -- The Royal Navy's Submarine Service -- which this year celebrates its centenary.

Submariners from all over Britain made vital contributions to the successful outcome of both the Great War and the Second World War and more recent conflicts.

However, the achievements of the Service came at a heavy cost and more than 5,000 died in action.

Don Wade, 67, secretary of the Central Lancashire branch of the Submariners' Association, says he is delighted the Royal Mail has decided to honour his friends and fallen colleagues. Don, who lives on Peacock Hall Road, Leyland, was Leading Engineer Mechanic on Sea Scout and Solent between 1954 and 1959. He said: "I think it's important to commemorate the Service.

"In the Second World War, there were 24 Victoria Crosses awarded for bravery.

"Out of them, nine were won by submariners. Also, at no time has the Service been more than three per cent of the Armed Forces.

"So, yes, I'm very happy that the Royal Mail have decided to honour us in this way."

The second-class stamp features the Vanguard, which is the most recently developed class of boat. On the 45p stamp, the Utility Class submarine is remembered for its small but successful design, while the 65p stamp shows the Holland Class first launched from Barrow-in-Furness in 1901. They are available from all post offices.

Pictured are (l-r) service members John Howarth from Farington, who was a leading torpedo operator, Don Wade and John Allen from Preston, who was a petty officer on the Polaris sub Renown and Resolution.