Everest - Stick It On An Envelope

The world's gone Everest crazy! Yes, even the Royal Mail are getting in on the 50th Anniversary Act by bringing out a set of commemorative stamps called 'Extreme Endeavours' and featuring - quote - some of the greatest adventurers of the 20th century.

The First Class stamp - above - inevitably features the 1953 British Everest Team - you know, the one that put a Kiwi and a Sherpa on the summit of the big one - while the rest of the issue includes pioneer aviator Amy Johnson (2nd Class), Middle Eastern explorer Dame Freya Stark (European letter rate), Antarctic hero Sir Ernest Shackleton (42p), solo round the world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester (47p) and Scott of the Antarctic (68p).

The stamps are due to be issued on Tuesday 29 April and you can buy a Presentation Pack including all of the stamps with some background information for £2.75 and stamp postcards for 25 pence either at the Post Office or from the Royal Mail order line 08457 641 641. Alternatively see the web site at www.royalmail.com.