The Royal Mail are replacing the traditional regular everyday and Christmas stamps with a new look design featuring a barcode.

The barcodes will be featured on a new perforated section that will match the stamp colour and sit alongside the main body of the stamp.

If you've got a book of stamps or a sheet of stamps in the drawer it is best to start using them up before they are no longer valid.

Non-barcoded stamps will be phased out but will remain usable until  July 31, 2023 - or the person getting the post risks a charge of £1.10, customers are encouraged to use their non-barcoded stamps before this date.

A ‘Swap Out’ scheme will be available to exchange non-barcoded stamps for the new barcoded version through the Royal Mail .