AN air ambulance charity is encouraging people to donate used postage stamps so they can be converted into cash.

The stamps are an extra source of income for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), which needs £4m to run the service every year.

Each singular stamp has a small value but in large quantities they can be valuable.

Clare Crabtree, from GNAAS Trading Company, said: “Everyone can help by collecting stamps as it's so easy to do. Just save the used stamps from the post you receive, send them to us and you will be supporting the charity in raising much needed funds. It really is that simple.

“We sell them on to a stamp dealer who gives us a great price. Foreign stamps are particularly good as they are worth more.”

GNAAS staff member Jim Entwistle recently boosted the campaign when he accidently bought a box of vintage stamps at an auction.

The hoard was discovered at the bottom of a large box containing other items.

He said: “It’s just a small contribution but every single penny counts at GNAAS.”

Mrs Crabtree asked for British and overseas stamps to be separated if possible before sending them to the GNAAS Trading Company.

She added: “Any donations will be gratefully received. Speak to relatives, friends and your workplace to see if they’ll collect as well to greatly increase the volume you send.

"Whether your stamps are recent or old, common or rare, from near or far, we give them our stamp of approval.”

If you can help, please post stamps to: STAMPS, GNAAS Trading Co, Unit 22, Northfield Way, Aycliffe industrial Park, Co. Durham DL5 6EJ.