A VOLUNTEER at Sedbergh School has discovered a stash of rare 19th century stamps worth up to £10,000.

Archive assistant Charlotte Dickerson was doing routine sorting at the Sedbergh Archive and Heritage Centre when she came across letters with Penny Blacks, Penny Reds and Penny Blues.

The Penny Black, introduced in 1840, was the world’s first adhesive stamp and had a huge impact on communications.

For the first time everyone – not just the wealthy – could afford to send letters to family and friends. In good condition and on date marked envelopes they can be highly valuable.

So far, Charlotte has uncovered a total of 10 Penny Blacks, two Penny Reds and more than a dozen Penny Blues. Combined with a selection of other 19th century stamps already held at the heritage centre, the collec-tion is estimated to be worth between £8,000 and £10,000. The stamps will go on show to the public tomorrow.

Initially Charlotte could not quite believe what she had found.

She said: “When I saw the first Penny Black I thought: ‘Is this really a Penny Black?’ I didn’t want to get too excited.”

After some online research confirmed that Charlotte not only had a Penny Black but a relatively rare one she “leapt around the office”.

This particular Penny Black is on a letter written to the school’s governor regarding letting land – dated 1841, when fewer Penny Blacks were issued.

It is also marked A1 which shows it came from the top of the sheet; the nearer the top of the sheet the more valuable the stamp.

David Gray, managing director of Gray Jewellery and Penrith Stamps, said it was unusual for a rare Penny Black to turn up in Cumbria.

He said: “Penny Blacks them-selves are common but you only get one in 20, or even one in 30, that is something special.”

President of the Kendal & District Philatelic Society, Wendy Chandler, said: “This sort of discovery can be quite exciting”.

The stamps will be on show, with a display of wax seals dating from 1742, at the Sedbergh Archive and Heritage Centre until Christmas.

The Priceless Pennys exhibi-tion will feature interactive activities for younger visitors.

The centre is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm, and this weekend from 9.30am until 1pm Saturday, and 10.30am until 1pm Sunday.

For further information phone the centre on 015396 22275.