THEY have long been a favourite of shopping-laden grandmothers and teenagers stealing illicit back seat kisses, but the great British double-decker bus is about to pick up a whole new set of fans - stamp collectors.

The mainstay of our once-proud public transport system, they have been immortalised in a set of Royal Mail stamps, available today.

Ranging from a rickety old bone-trembling contraption to today's disabled-friendly vehicles, the stamps feature every stage in the double-decker's 150-year evolution.

The collection was unveiled at Beamish Open Air Museum, County Durham, yesterday, where a Go North-East boss revealed how the double-decker had found its way into his, and the region's, affections.

Andy Gamblin, business development manager for the bus operator, said that his collection of buses was not restricted to the new set - he collects the real thing.

Mr Gamblin said: "Many people have a nostalgic memory of the old London-style double-deckers. They looked terrific but, of course, they were eventually considered potentially dangerous - especially if you are Frank Spencer on roller-skates.

"The great British double-decker has been in decline for a number of years - there is only one company that manufactures them now - but they make a great subject for a set of stamps.

"I have actually got a couple of double-decker buses myself, which I drive from time to time. And whenever we are short of bus drivers, I like to step in.

"They may be less common these days, but they will always remain a great British institution."

The collection is part of a series depicting the British way of life.

Mark Thomson, managing director of Royal Mail stamps and collections, said: "In many ways it is a landmark stamp issue for Royal Mail, and one we are sure will delight both collectors and those new to stamps."