Orangemen praise An Post move to mark Somme anniversary

The Orange Order in the North has welcomed An Post's decision to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme with a commemorative stamp.

The Order said today that it had received a letter from An Post confirming that a special stamp would be brought out to mark the occasion.

Spokesman David Hume said the Battle of the Somme was remembered in many parts of the Republic, particularly border counties like Donegal, and the gesture would be greatly appreciated with the unionist community.

He also said he was disappointed that the Royal Mail in Britain was not making a similar gesture to mark the First World War battle.