The Big Issue was the bright idea of Anita Roddick and the Body Shop. It has done an enormous amount for single homeless people.

Instead of begging on the streets, they are able to make money by selling a genuine magazine to people who want it.

Now Aspire is distributing gift catalogues to many homes in the Brighton and Hove area. It is a non-profit-making company producing jobs and training for the homeless.

It's a step forward from the Big Issue which, as many people in the city centre know, has reached saturation point.

Homeless people are constantly urged to do something about their plight and those working for Aspire need people better off than they are to help them.

Judging by the generous response to the Big Issue, Brighton and Hove will not be found wanting.