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 details of the 2010 competition are on the next page. Entry forms will be needed by January 8, 2010 and the entries will be needed by January 29, 2010. Next year's competition will be held at Spring Stampex from 24th to 27th February  2010 at the Business Design Centre, Islington.

The entry form can be downloaded from the tab above. Please also note that there is a group competition that your club can enter - use the Group Entry form from the tab above.

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, there are classes for under 12s upto 21 years , and you need to submit either 16, 32, 48 or 64 pages - so it is quite a challenge.

This year's competition was held at Autumn Stampex and the results are on the News Page. Entry forms for next year will be required by end July 2010 and more details 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 will be mid 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).