A Cockermouth stamp and postcard collectors' club will meet for the first time next Thursday.

It has been launched by two town collectors, Mike Roberts, of Chapel Close, and Mike Mapleton, of Dunmail Crescent.

They are hoping novices and those returning to the hobby after a break will join them to learn more about it and enjoy the social side. 

Mike Roberts said: "I think of it as a school stamp club with beer. It will be friendly and informal.

"I set up something very similar in West Yorkshire. people arrived at 11am, the beer started at noon and the pies arrived half an hour later."

Mike Mapleton said: "There are successful philatelic societies in Keswick and Workington but these meet in an evening which does not appeal to everyone. We plan to hold one morning meeting a month in a sociable venue and see how it develops."

Mike Roberts has been collecting stamps for more than 60 years. 

He said: "My farther was a collector and a relative bought me a stamp album for my fourth birthday. It is a great social hobby and has taken me all round the world," he said.

They said novices were welcome.

The club will meet at 11.30am on Thursday, October 22, at Cockermouth Conservative Club, on Main Street.