A WOMAN who collects stamps by the kilo is definitely not a philatelist.

For more than 20 years Sue Thompson of Harmby, near Leyburn, has been collecting used stamps for the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB). Before Christmas she thought that one of her collection points, the Wobbly Dog in Leyburn could do with some publicity and arranged an entry in the D&S Times Town and Village listings.

Readers quickly responded to the request, with the jar in the shop full to bursting every few days.

Mrs Thompson started her charitable collecting when she lived in Swaledale and continued it when she moved to Harmby. She separates stamps into British – post or pre-decimal and foreign. They are then posted onwards at her own expense. Each kilogramme makes approximately £20 for her charity.

Often friends who are the other sort of stamp collector donate their unwanted items to Mrs Thompson. However when the astute non-philatelist discovers a saleable gem she sells them to her erstwhile benefactors, donating any profits to Alzheimer’s (UK).

Mrs Thompson said: “I am most grateful to those that have supported my efforts for the RNIB over the years. I really appreciate everyone’s kindness.”

Stamps can be left for Mrs Thompson at Reeth Post Office, Swaledale Wools, Muker and the Wobbly Dog, Leyburn. It is most important that a border of at least a one centimetre is left around the stamp. Alternatively, the whole envelope can be deposited.