007. Probably the most infamous sequence of numbers in the world, immortalised by Ian Fleming's super-suave secret agent - James Bond.

With his licence to kill, and his way with the ladies, these hugely popular spy novels have spawned a string of successful films and now 007 is set to serve in Her Majesty's postal service with a special series of stamps to mark the centenary of his creator's birth.

Born in London on May 28, 1908, Fleming began his education as a boarder at Durnford Preparatory School in the village of Langton Matravers near Swanage in the Isle of Purbeck before being accepted to Eton at the age of 13. A journalist and military man Fleming bore a number of resemblances to his fictional character. Not only was he involved in intelligence work during the Second World War, but Fleming was also a notorious womaniser and drank his martinis shaken, not stirred.

The set of stamps released by the Royal Mail this week features cover designs from six of Fleming's most famous 007 novels, including his first, Casino Royale, published in 1953 - an illustration designed by Fleming himself. The others are Dr No, the first Bond novel to be adapted for the big screen in 1962, Goldfinger, For Your Eyes Only, From Russia With Love and Diamonds Are Forever.

The film version of the latter featured Bournemouth born and bred actor Charles Gray who shot to fame in 1971 as Bond's most recognisable arch rival, Blofeld, with his trademark white cat complete with diamond studded collar.

Royal Mail head of special stamps Julietta Edgar said: "It is estimated that over half the world's population have heard of James Bond which is an incredible testament to the imagination of his creator, Ian Fleming.

"I'm delighted to see that the most famous super-spy is once again in the service of Queen and country and will be appearing on millions of items of post."

With the Bond brand as strong as ever, it was also announced this week that British actress Gemma Arterton and Ukrainian model Olga Kurylenko will co-star in the latest instalment of the 007 franchise, code named Bond 22.

These sexy sidekicks follow in the footsteps of other famous Bond girls including Halle Berry (Jinx) and Honor Blackman (Pussy Galore) - and who could forget Ursula Andress (Honey Ryder) emerging from the sea in that skimpy white bikini?

Daniel Craig, who made his debut in 2006's Casino Royale, returns to play the superspy for the second time. The plot is expected to continue from the events of the last movie with Bond picking up the pieces after being double-crossed by co-star Vesper Lynd, played by French actress Eva Green, an enigmatic spy who stole Bond's heart - and broke it too.

Producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said Kurylenko, a model-turned-actress, "will play the dangerously alluring Camille, who challenges Bond and helps him come to terms with the emotional consequences of Vesper's betrayal."

Also rejoining the cast are Dame Judi Dench as M, Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter and Giancarlo Giannini as Mathis. British newcomer Gemma Arterton will portray MI6 Agent Fields.

The film is scheduled for release on November 7.