A photograph of a Sussex landmark which adorns a new set of postage stamps is at least five years out of date.

The picture of Beachy Head, near Eastbourne, one of ten first class stamps featuring scenic English landscapes to be issued by Royal Mail next week, includes the huge chalk tower 0known as the Devil's Chimney which crashed into the sea in 2001.

The view was captured by landscape photographer Rob Talbot on a beautiful day with the red and white lighthouse as the focal point, surrounded by a glistening calm blue sea.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "The images for the England stamps were selected by the designers for their striking colour, rich texture and central focus point.

"While the Devil's Chimney in the foreground of the picture has unfortunately now collapsed into the sea, it was a renowned feature of the famous headland and emphasises Beachy Head's striking beauty."

Eastbourne councillor Barry Taylor said: "It's hard to criticise them for not using an up-to-date photograph.

"The fact Beachy Head is on the stamps will promote the landmark and hopefully attract more visitors."

Beachy Head is the highest coastal chalk cliff in the UK, rising 535ft above sea level - more than 200ft taller than the white cliffs of Dover and almost three times the height of Nelson's column in Trafalgar Square.

While this is the first time Beachy Head cliffs have appeared in photographic form on a Royal Mail stamp, the distinctive red and white lighthouse did appear on a stamp as an illustration in 1985, as part of a set commemorating safety at sea.