Preston’s university shop has stepped in to be a new home for the Big Issue North.

The independent magazine which is sold by people with limited other ways of earning an income was without a regional base.

UCLan’s ‘In The City’ shop stepped in with the university offering the space every Monday and Friday morning.

Deliveries of the magazine will be made and University of Central Lancashire volunteers then sell on the magazine to the Preston-based vendors.

The university’s volunteers are receiving training to enable them to signpost Big Issue vendors to other services, such as for housing, financial and health advice.

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Senior lecturer at UCLan Jenny Lamb said: “The ‘In the City’ shop exists to develop and strengthen links with the local community, and when we learned that Big Issue North could no longer operate from its former regional base, we were determined to find a way to help.

“Street papers are such an important initiative. Earning an income is the first step on the journey away from poverty and can improve motivation and self-esteem. Our volunteers will be linking vendors with vital support and services where necessary, too.”

Big Issue sellers buy the magazine from regional offices and sell it on from established pitches for £2.50 – keeping the money they make.

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The In The City shop runs various events from its Lune Street base at the entrance to the St George’s Shopping Centre.

Do you buy the Big Issue? What do you think of UCLan’s move? Let us know in the comments below