Braunton's stamp appeal off to a flying start

DEDICATED stamp collectors at Braunton School are asking for people to send in as many used stamps as possible as they launch their annual appeal for the Children s Hospice. As with previous years, pupils and staff are asking for people to post in or dr

DEDICATED "stamp collectors" at Braunton School are asking for people to send in as many used stamps as possible as they launch their annual appeal for the Children's Hospice.

As with previous years, pupils and staff are asking for people to post in or drop off their used stamps at the school. They are then bundled up and given to the hospice, which can sell them on to collectors, wholesalers and stamp fairs.

"There are usually lots of interesting foreign and special stamps around at Christmas and they need to be trimmed with about two millimetres edge around the stamp," said David Butt, assistant headteacher.

"We have successfully done this for many years. Last year we collected around 70,000 and we have about the same this year. The number we get - thanks to publicity in the Gazette - is amazing.

"I think this is a cheap and easy way for youngsters to make an effort that isn't just money based - it's true recycling and so easy to do. The fact that it's instructive and interesting, increasing their knowledge of the world, is a real bonus.

"It also seems quite therapeutic trimming the stamps as well!"

The school Geography Club work hard most lunchtimes to trim them up and sort them, as do a group of volunteers at home who help trim them and send them back.

Stamps can be dropped in at the school reception or posted to: The Green Gang, C/O David Butt, Braunton School and Community College, Barton Lane, Braunton, EX33 2BP.