Royal Mail urges people to use or swap non-barcoded stamps

Deadline is 31 January, although there will then be six-month grace period with such post still delivered

Do you have a book of stamps in your wallet, purse or drawer at home? Maybe you have stockpiled them to avoid future price rises.

If so, you need to be aware that the official deadline for using up stamps without barcodes - notably the regular first and second-class everyday" stamps featuring the profile of the late Queen - is getting closer.