Club Chairman Henry Ho Ming-sun told OffBeat that the club played an active role in promoting philately in Hong Kong.

Mr Ho said: "We also help interested individuals and organisations by lending our collections and related reference books for holding exhibitions, and assisting in some postal research projects."

Another major activity of the club was the issue of its own First Day Covers (FDCs) to coincide with the issue of new stamps by the Hongkong Post, Mr Ho said.

"For example, our club's special FDC for 'Serving the Community Festival 2002' was issued in January," Mr Ho explained.

OffBeat asked some club members for their views on philately.

Auxiliary Station Sergeant Mock Chee-chiu said that philately could help people understand more about the historical, social and cultural development of the world.

"We always have to refer to a lot of reference books to study the history of stamps and postal chops, and their social implication," Mr Mock said.

Retired Senior Police Constable Sze Chun-cheong said there were stamps or FDCs featuring police forces of different regions including the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF). "In 1994, a set of six new stamps featuring HKPF, an official FDC and a number of souvenir covers were issued to celebrate its 150th anniversary."

Police Constable Wong Tat-wai, Station Sergeant Li Man-tung and retired Principal Executive Officer Chun Sik-biu believed that philately, which required patience and great effort, could help cultivate people's mind.

"It has become an indispensable part of our life. We grasp every opportunity to appreciate stamps and FDCs and that is why we always carry forceps and magnifying glasses no matter where we go," Mr Li said.

Referring to the type of stamps and FDCs which are worth collecting, Mr Ho said: "Each philatelist has his own favourite choice and should apply his own experience to judge their value. Generally speaking, the value of these items is dependent on uniqueness, rarity and beauty."

Mr Ho advised that the best way to preserve valuable collections of stamps and FDCs was to keep them away from strong light and moisture. "Cover them properly and put them in an air-tight box. Never use bare hands to touch them. Use forceps instead."

With about 2,000 members, the Police Philatelic Club recently extended its activities to the collection of other items such as transport tickets, banknotes and coins, and old documents.