Shoppers stockpile stamps ahead of price rise

Royal Mail is rationing the supply of stamps to Post Offices and shops, to make sure it benefits from the upcoming price rise.

A spokesman said it had capped supplies to ''protect revenue'' and prevent shops stockpiling and cashing in on the higher prices.

From the end of the month, first-class stamps will increase from 46p to 60p, while second class will rise from 36p to 50p.

Some shoppers in Birmingham had been stocking up because of the price rise.