If you are entering a competition for the first time, why not try the Stamp Active competition. You can put in either 4, 8, 12, 16 or 24 pages, which should be carefully and written up on the subject that you collect.

To enter this competition you must be aged up to 16. This year's competition is over but advance details of the 2010 competition are on the next page. Entry forms will be needed in early January and the entries will be needed by late January. This year's competition was held at Spring Stampex from 25th to 28th February at the Business Design Centre, Islington.

If you are older, or have had some experience at entering competitions, then why not try and enter the British Youth Stamp Championships. A higher standard is required, you must be aged from 12 to 21, and you need to submit either 16, 32, 48 or 64 pages - so it is quite a challenge.

This year's competition will be held at Autumn Stampex and entry forms will be required by 24th JULY. This year's entry form is now available click here. More details, and entry forms, can be obtained from (click name to send an e-mail) or write to Jean Wood 6 Beech Grove Whitley Bay Tyne & Wear NE26 3PJ.

The closing date for the actual entry is 14th August.

These competitions are kindly sponsored by the Great Britain Philatelic Society (for the Stamp Active Competition) and Stanley Gibbons Ltd. (for the British Youth Stamp Championships).