ROYAL Mail and Australia Post have joined forces to produce a stamp issue of truly awesome proportions this month.

The countries may sit on opposite sides of the globe, but the United Kingdom and Australia both boast first class world heritage sites, which are brought together on eight stamps.

The world heritage site stamps were issued by each postal administration on April 21, to coincide with the opening of the Pacific Explorer World Stamp Expo, in Sydney.

Although inhabitants of both counties can admire an array of natural and cultural sites it was decided that Australia would draw on its large array of incredible natural formations, while the UK would focus on its equally famous man-made monuments.

The new stamps feature Stonehenge and the Wet Tropics of Queensland on the first class stamps, Hadrian's Wall together with the Uluru-Kata Tjuta national park on the second class stamps, Blenheim Palace and the Greater Blue Mountains area on the 47p stamps and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney with the Purnululu national park on the 68p stamps.

Julietta Edgar, head of special stamps at Royal Mail said: "The UK and Australia boast some truly amazing sites of natural and man-made beauty.

"We have photographed these sites in all their glory and our link with Australia Post will allow our customers on different sides of the world to share some of the natural and cultural wonders of the two countries we live in."

It was in 1972 that Unesco (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) adopted an international treaty to protect the world's heritage.

Now more than 30 years on there are 754 designated sites worldwide.

For this exciting project each country chose its own sites, but shared one photographer, the vastly experienced Peter Marlow, from the Magnum agency.

Royal Mail last worked with Australia Post in 1988 when the country celebrated its bicentenary.

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

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

When did Unesco adopt an international treaty to protect the world's heritage? by Friday, June 24.

Normal Newsquest rules apply.