A NEW set of stamps is to be used by Royal Mail bosses to test that age-old rivalry between dogs and cats.

The ten stamps, which feature canines and felines, are the first to be issued in Britain which are self-adhesive.

At their launch on Monday, Royal Mail staff plan to take them to the National Canine Defence League (NCDL), in Sadberge, near Darlington.

The aim is to see what the resident dogs think of the cats on view.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "We're not sure if there will be a bark of reaction, an attempt to chase the cat on the stamp, or whether today's dogs are just above that sort of thing."

Clarissa Baldwin, chief executive of the NCDL, said: "These stamps are wonderful and really put across what great companions dogs can be.

"We are honoured that Royal Mail has chosen us for this launch."