THE image of the Queen which will appear on the new six-sided £1 coin has a Stroud connection.

It was designed by artist Ian Rank-Broadley, who lives near Stroud, and has been used on the coin since 1998.

Mr Rank-Broadley took around 12 months to design the portrait.

The image was partly influenced by the full portrait of George II, shown on old coins.

In 2008, his portrait of the Prince of Wales at 60 appeared on the £5 coin, while in 2012, he created various designs to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

His official portrait of the Queen depicts her in the robes of the Order of the Garter and wearing the tiara that Queen Mary gave to her for her wedding.

The new £1 coin is due to come into circulation in 2017.