Yeah, yeah, yeah - we know what you're thinking. "Stamps and trains, I better put on my anorak for this one".

But there is a cool tech angle, we promise. Stick with it.

For Royal Mail has released the world's first intelligent stamps in its Great British Railways collection.

The stamps, combine with an image recognition app called Junaio, which is available to iOS and Android users, to create an augmented reality style experience.

You simply scan the photo from within the app using your phone's camera and you'll be presented with a short film of Bernard Cribbins reading WH Auden's famous poem The Night Mail.

"WH Auden wrote the Night Mail poem in 1936 for the Post Office's own blockbuster film of the same name, which has for years remained in the hearts and minds of many", said Cribbins.

Philip Parker of The Royal Mail said: "This is the first time a national postal service has used this kind of technology on their stamps and we're very excited to be bringing intelligent stamps to the nation's post".

"Royal Mail's special stamps mark key events and anniversaries in the UK's heritage through a programme which aims to be both educational and informative".

"Through intelligent stamp technology, our stamps will open up to a whole new world of information, interest and fun to collectors and the millions of people who will receive them on letters in the coming months alike".

The intelligent stamp idea will be used in other collections in the future. If you're interested in getting your hands on the Great British Railways collection head over to Royal Mail's eBay shop to order a pack now.

Via: bbc.co.uk

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