Autumn begins next week and as we move out of our gardens back into our homes, we can start to think about whiling away the evenings indoors.

Virtually everyone will, at some time, have owned his or her own stamp collection.

Philately, as it is known, is one of the most fascinating and interesting of hobbies.

It is also within reach of almost all would-be collectors because stamps are generally inexpensive.

Importantly, it's not weather dependent!

The first adhesive stamps were the famous Penny Blacks in 1849.

The Penny Black revolutionised communication because, until then, postage was paid according to the distance a letter travelled - sending a postcard from Kendal to London could be expensive.

Suddenly, letters could be sent anywhere in Britain for just one old penny - thanks to Rowland Hill, Postmaster General.

Surprisingly, the Penny Black is not as valuable as is popularly thought.

Nevertheless, one in good condition could be up to £50.

The value of stamps is based on many different factors:

Firstly, has it been used? Unused stamps in mint (that is, unused) condition are much more valuable.

Even unused, the most valuable stamps are those which are in good condition without wear or tears.

With older stamps, in the days before perforations, stamps were printed on to a single sheet and the Postmaster had to cut them out.

Neatly cut stamps with all four margins fetch better prices.

Where a stamp has been used, a clear, unsmudged postmark is preferable.

The stamp's origin also has a bearing on its value - generally, stamps are worth more in their country of origin.

The theme of the stamp can increase its worth too.

Beautiful Turner miniatures are likely to have a greater appeal than stamps celebrating the 1977 Meeting of World Leaders.

Sporting themes are also popular with collectors and hundreds of British sets of stamps have been inspired by golfing, tennis, badminton and football tournaments.

Some stamps combine a sporting theme with another collectables' field like Disney.

The broader the appeal of the stamp, the higher its value.

One of the most significant factors, however, is a stamp's rarity.

There are lots of Penny Blacks on the market, but fewer Tuppenny Blues (which were used to send larger items from the mid 19th century).

The Tuppenny Blue is therefore worth much more.

For a new collector, there are hundreds of different areas to choose from and specialise in - whether you go for sporting stamps, a musical theme or even banana shaped stamps from Tonga is completely up to you.

Looking after your stamps is important if you want to maintain their value - don't stick them into an album and risk ruining them.

The best way to look after them is to keep them in transparent pockets.

With sets of stamps starting at less than £1, you don't need to save up to begin.

The best starting point is probably to go and have a look at a stamp catalogue in the local library or have a search on the Internet.

Then, you' ll get a feel for prices before you start buying.

Collectables is compiled by experts at GB Antiques Centre, Lancaster Leisure Park.

The centre is open daily from 10am- 5pm.