STAMP collectors and train lovers will descend on Kidderminster this week for the annual convention of the Railway Philatelic Group.

The event includes illustrated talks on travelling post offices and newspaper and parcel stamps and is being held at Severn Valley Railway Museum on Saturday.

It will be attended by several dealers and there will also be a collection of displays and competitions.

Organiser Terry Davies said the national group currently had around 500 members and was hoping to recruit new ones at the weekend.

He explained the RPG catered for anyone who collected stamps with a railway theme, be it British or overseas.

"It is, therefore, fitting to hold our convention in a railway setting and the SVR's Railway Museum is an ideal venue," he went on.

"RPG members don't just collect stamps featuring trains and locomotives but also newspaper, parcel and railway letter stamps; travelling post office covers and cancellations and railway station postmarks."

He went on: "I've been a member for around 10 years and it's the first time that we've been to Kidderminster in that time. We normally get about 50 to 60 members come along and we're hoping for members of the public on top of this."

The convention is open from 10am until 4pm, with a members-only annual meeting at 2.30pm.