But to a philatelist, they are fascinating examples of our social and cultural history.

The collection and study of postage stamps is a hobby that continues to flourish, despire technological advances in how we communicate.

In an age of innocence, before the advent of the Internet and computer games, the popularity of stamp collecting was huge among local schoolchildren.

Shields Philatelic Society was formed in 1926 by four local enthusiasts, and interest from youngsters was such that a junior section was created at the Boys' High School, with branches at Westoe Secondary School and St John's Schools.

Within a short while, the junior membership outnumbered the adult membership by an amazing five to one.

This phenomenon was replicated across the country and around the world, and became known as 'timbromania' (a passion for stamps).

Nowadays it would be easy to assume that the future of stamp collecting may be bleak.

The increasing popularity of e-mail, social networking websites and text messaging has contributed to a reduction in the amount of letters being sent through the postal service, and the increased use of pre-paid labels has also reduced the demand for stamps.

Over the years, membership numbers at Shields Philatelic Society have declined and, at present, it numbers only 16. Sadly, there are no children among the members.

"Unfortunately, I don't think trying to attract younger members is the way forward," said society secretary Mel Douglas, from Lawe Road, South Shields.

"Young people just aren't interested in the pursuit of stamp collecting as a hobby. They're far more interested in the Internet and computer games these days."

However, the situation is not all doom and gloom.

"There does seem to be an increase in the amount of older people returning to the hobbies of their childhood days," added Mr Douglas.

"The responsibility of a career and raising a family meant that many collectors had to put their hobby aside.

"But now they have the spare time and the disposable income, they are deciding to pick up where they left off."

Mr Douglas has been a member of the society for a quarter of a century and has held the position of secretary for the past two years.

Philately, which is the collection and study of postage stamps and related objects, such as covers and postcards, remains one of the world's most popular hobbies and it is estimated that there are more than 200 million philatelists worldwide.

Famous philatelists include former world chess champion Anatoly Karpov, the late Prince Rainier of Monaco and Freddie Mercury of Queen.

Stamp collecting began at around the same time that stamps were first issued in 1840.

Two decades later there were thousands of collectors and a growing number of merchants catering to their desires. The first stamp albums were printed and sold in the early 1880s.

The hobby may not enjoy the popularity of its halcyon days, but it still commands a huge following, and the humble postage stamp continues to defy the threats of becoming obsolete as a result of mass media and modern technology.

After all, both the telegraph and telephone were revolutionary alternatives to physical mail when introduced in the 19th century, yet they did not represent the end of stamps on mail.

"Stamp collecting is an activity which is enjoyed by like-minded people who have a knowledge and interest in the world around them," said Mr Douglas.

"We'd be delighted to hear from anyone who is interested in getting involved."

* The society meets at Ocean Road Community Centre, South Shields, usually on the fourth Thursday of each month between September and May, at 7pm.