The price of a stamp is going up later this month.

From March 29, local and UK letter rates will go up 3p to 35 pence and 36p respectively.

However, postal chiefs say despite this, the rates are among the lowest in Europe and an increase is needed to keep up with challenging commercial conditions within the postal world.

Among other changes announced today (Monday), the introduction of a new faster international delivery service, Global Express, with delivery scheduled from two working days to the USA, Canada and Europe.

Special delivery charges will remain unchanged, the cost of using the recorded service is to be reduced and the cost of sending letters and parcels up to two kilograms to any British Forces Post Office address will also remain free.