**************************************************
Hongkong Post today (September 20) announced details of the Special Stamps Issuing Programme 2013 (the 2013 Programme) and the 2013 Local Standing Order Service (LSOS).
Hongkong Post's 2013 special stamp issues are miniature wonders that capture the kaleidoscope of life. Stamp collecting is a healthy and rewarding hobby for all members of the family and avid individual collectors alike. Our 2013 collection contains something for everyone with its diverse themes and attractive stamp designs.
Stamp issues such as "Chinese and Western Wedding Customs", "Hong Kong Buses", "Inclusive Arts" and "Our Legislative Council" feature different facets of Hong Kong, whereas "Revitalisation of Historic Buildings in Hong Kong" and "Cruise Terminal at Kai Tak" showcase our unique cityscape. The "Innovation and Technology" and "My Pet and I" stamp issues will delight you, in particular children and youths, with their fresh designs. For dedicated philatelists looking for themes relating to Chinese culture and heritage, "Year of the Snake", as the second set of special stamps of the fourth Lunar New Year Animal Series, and "The Old Town of Lijiang", as part of the World Heritage in China Series, are ones to watch out for. Last but not least, "The 150th Anniversary of the International Committee of the Red Cross" pays special tribute to this international humanitarian organisation.
The 2013 Programme also includes the unprecedented "Gold Lace Metal and Silver Stamp Sheetlet on Lunar New Year Animals – Dragon/Snake" to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Customers should not miss the colour postmarks that are brought to Hong Kong for the first time for the First Day Covers "Hong Kong Buses" and "Inclusive Arts" either.
Advance orders for the Programme may be placed through Hongkong Post's LSOS from today onwards. Those who do so from September 20 to October 16 will be eligible to join an incentive scheme and receive fabulous gifts. Customers using the Stamp OnNet online ordering service will enjoy extra rewards as well as an extended incentive period until October 23.
Further information about the special stamp issues and related products can be obtained from any post office and from the Hongkong Post website at www.hongkongpost.com, or by calling the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline at 2785 5711.
Ends/Thursday, September 20, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:55
NNNN