dominic dyer@domdyer70
British wildlife will replace historical figures on the next series of Bank of England banknotes - and the public will get their say on which animals and birds will appear.
Images of wildlife would be difficult to counterfeit, while also allowing for a celebration of nature across the country, the Bank said.
It spells the end for the, sometimes controversial, choice of historical characters which have appeared on £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes for more than 50 years.
A panel of experts will draw up a wildlife shortlist to put before the public. The final decision is made by the Bank's governor but it is likely to be a few years before the new notes enter circulation.
"The key driver for introducing a new banknote series is always to increase counterfeit resilience, but it also provides an opportunity to celebrate different aspects of the UK," said the Bank's chief cashier, Victoria Cleland, whose signature appears on notes.
Nature was the most popular theme in the 44,000 responses to a public consultation and focus groups on banknote imagery.
Some 60% of respondents selected it as one of their preferred themes, ahead of architecture and landmarks (56%); historical figures (38%); arts, culture and sport (30%); innovation (23%); and noteworthy milestones (19%), the Bank said.
Wildlife already appears on banknotes in the UK, with mackerel, otters, red squirrels and osprey featuring on notes issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland
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