|PIC1|The Church of England has expressed its disappointment with the Royal Mail over this year's Christmas stamps, which are noticeably void of Christian references and opt instead for festive fun features.

Baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary and the three wise men have been ditched for the Royal Mail's 2006 Christmas stamp collection in favour of festive images of Santa Claus, snowmen, reindeer and a Christmas tree surrounded by presents.

The established church in England delivered a note of "regret" at the lack of reference to the birth of Jesus Christ, while the Royal Mail said they alternated each year between religious and non-religious themes, reports AFP.

Last year's set by the Royal Mail sparked controversy when it included the controversial image of a couple with Hindu markings worshipping Jesus.

A Royal Mail spokesman insisted the themes were on rotation.

"It is about celebrating all elements of Christmas," he said. "It is something that we have always done. I think people will see this year's issue of stamps as a 'first class' set of Christmas stamps."

But a spokesman for the Church of England summed up the Church's disappointment in a statement on Monday: "In 2004, the Church of England's General Synod approved a motion calling for Royal Mail to issue Christmas stamps with Christian themes every year.

"We regret that the Royal Mail have decided against continuing last year's welcome return to Christian-themed designs reminding people of the true meaning of Christmas."

The Royal Mail's 40th collection of festive stamps, which went on sale Tuesday, was designed by Japanese digital illustrator Tatsuro Kiuchi, who used layers of transparent colour to build up the images, AFP said.

The Royal Mail boasts: "These stamps will make your Christmas post sparkle with festive spirit, putting a smile on your friend's and family's faces."