TO launch Royal Mail's 2005 stamp programme, Farm Animals celebrates some of the UK's traditional and rare breeds across 10 first class stamps.

There is a colourful array of candidates, including some khaki Campbells, an impressive bagot, not to mention some lovely little saddlebacks.

The accompanying presentation pack contains lots of background information on the breeds, many of which are hundreds of years old, and the important work of smallholders up and down the country.

Farm Animals is the fifth set in Royal Mail's animal series, which started in 2001 with Cats and Dogs, continued in 2002 with Kipling's Just So stories, Birds of Prey in 2003 and Woodland Animals in 2004. And, just like these previous issues, Chris Wormall's illustrations of some farmyard friends will ensure a bit of animal magic is delivered to millions of homes in 2005.

Not only that, Farm Animals stamps will also be available as Smilers so you can have your favourite photograph produced alongside the stamps.

The stamps feature a pig and piglets, a duck and drake, a mare and foal, a cow, a border collie puppy, chicks, sheep, a goat, a turkey and geese.

Julietta Edgar, head of philatelic sector, Royal Mail, said: "Our stamp programme is always striving to showcase the uniqueness of the UK's way of life - and 2005 is no different. Special stamps continue to demonstrate how our heritage and history can be kept alive for all to enjoy."

The Shuttle/Times and News has teamed up with the Royal Mail to run a competition where 20 readers can each win a set of the Farm Animals stamps.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question:

Who has illustrated the Farm Animals stamps? by Friday, January 28.