The Royal Mail has launched an online service allowing customers to buy and print postage in the comfort of their own homes, Reuters reports.

Payment can be made by prepay account, credit card or debit card and thereafter you simply print a "unique barcode" onto a label or envelope. Prices are the same as for normal stamps.

Royal Mail's marketing director Alex Batchelor said: "We have launched this service in response to demands from the general public, who want to be able to buy and print their postage online. Online postage gives customers more choice and flexibility in the way they pay to send their mail."

As well as e-stamps, customers can also print out "pre-populated customs forms" and similarly prepared certificates of posting, although in the latter case you'll still have to trudge down the post office to get it validated. ®

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