Centre urges stamp recycling

Geri Halliwell marked the busiest day for 1st class stamps on 9 December

As Christmas comes to a close, an ecology centre wants revellers to put their stamp on the season in the name of recycling.

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), near Machynlleth, wants used festive stamps that have been posted this year.

CAT has been collecting stamps throughout the year and intends to sell them to collectors to raise money.

It will be used to fund the voluntary arm of its environmental service.

A CAT spokeswoman said the centre was happy to receive both British and overseas stamps from people, and did not mind if they were in small or large quantities.

We are collecting both British and foreign stamps The Centre for Alternative Technology

"Even the stamp you use to post your stamps to us will be removed from its envelope and recycled to raise money for CAT," she said.

"We are collecting both British and foreign stamps. British stamps should be left on their backing paper with roughly 1cm of border around the stamp.

"Stamps should not be removed from the paper as this can cause damage and make the stamp worthless."

CAT celebrates its 30th anniversary next year.

It is a research and demonstration centre which aims to inform and enable people to explore new ways of living.