An Amersham-born Dad’s Army actor is set to feature in some special Royal Mail stamps marking the 50th birthday of the popular sitcom.

Bill Pertwee, who played Chief Warden Hodges in the series, was born in Amersham in 1926 and will feature on one of eight stamps to be released in celebration of the key characters together with their most memorable catchphrases.

Bill appeared in 60 episodes of Dad’s Army, a BBC show which focused of the exploits of a Home Guard platoon and was originally broadcast from 1968 to 1977.

Spanning nine series and three Christmas specials, Dad’s Army regularly attracted audiences of more than 18 million and continues to be repeated today.

Bill will feature on a stamp with his catchphrase “Put that light out!”

His son Jonathan, who is also an actor, hekped celebrate the launch of his father’s stamp. He said: “Bill was not only the best father anyone could imagine but the life and soul of the party.

“When offered the role in Dad's Army he was optimistic and delighted. Fifty years on however, even he would be amazed to think Warden Hodges would be on a stamp.

“But how wonderful dad would feel to be immortalised with his band of seven brothers and cement such a lasting reminder of the happiest of days.”

Philip Parker, from Royal Mail, added: “Few TV comedies have inspired as much affection, or given us as many catchphrases, as Dad’s Army. On its 50th birthday we hope these new stamps will raise plenty of smiles.”

The stamps and souvenir products can be pre-ordered from www.royalmail.com/dadsarmy and will available from 7,000 Post Offices nationwide from June 26.