Pioneering UK breakthroughs in medicine and surgery are celebrated on a set of stamps.

Heart-regulating beta-blockers and the computed tomography scanner are among the six images on the new stamps.

Penicillin, innovations relating to hip replacement surgery and the pioneering of artificial lens implants also appear.

The work of Sir Ronald Ross in 1897 which was pivotal in the development of today’s anti-malarial drugs is also celebrated.

Royal Mail Special Stamps spokesman Philip Parker said all of the breakthroughs had saved the lives and improved the health of millions of people across the world.

He said: “The UK’s physicians and scientists can rightly take credit for the discovery and application of a tremendous number of medical breakthroughs from beta-blockers to the CT scanner.

“This striking set of stamps highlights six of the outstanding contributions made to modern-day science which continue to transform the sight, mobility and health of millions of people today.”

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