A LEDBURY builder has helped to reveal the 'secret of life' by assisting the launch of the Royal Mail's latest collection of stamps.

Don Rigby, who has motor neurone disease, was chosen to launch the five new stamps that celebrate 50 years since the discovery of the structure of DNA.

The stamps, which have been launched in corporation with the West Midlands' DNA Bank for Neurological Disease, depict themes such as the potential for gene manipulation and the vast amount still to be learnt on the subject.

Don was recommended by the West Midlands' bank because, since his diagnosis 15 months ago, he has regularly donated DNA samples enabling scientists to carry out in depth research into the disease.

Don was pleased with the prospect that the stamps would bring more publicity to genetic research. He said: "I am most definitely glad as it's the only way forward. This is the best place in the country for treating motor neurone disease, if not the world.

"I knew nothing about the disease before it was diagnosed last year. All of us are so complacent about life and no-one knows what is round the corner."

The stamps, that are entitled the 'secret of life', are now on sale across the country.