They used to say: "If you want to know the way, ask a policeman."

Now, on the streets of most cities, you are more likely to find someone selling The Big Issue than a beat bobby.

The trend has spawned Brighton and Hove City Council's latest trail-blazing scheme: Turning the street sellers into roving tourist information points.

The radical idea to transform the homeless magazine vendors into ambassadors is part of a new package of measures to boost tourism.

It has been suggested they could use their intimate knowledge of the streets to direct lost visitors to attractions such as the Royal Pavilion or the North Laine area.

Deputy council leader Sue John said the sellers were in prime positions in the centre and added: "They know the city well."

The vendors already receive training in being pleasant and cheerful to passers-by and customers from The Big Issue.

It has been suggested they could now be asked to take part in a scheme similar to The Knowledge - the quiz cabbies must pass before qualifying to drive a taxi in London.

The idea went down well with sellers out on the streets.

Lou Watson, 27, and her dog Fubar live at a travellers' site near Patcham. She sells The Big Issue in North Street.

She said: "A lot of us give directions to tourists all the time anyway and I think it's a good thing.

"There are others who wouldn't make such good ambassadors but generally I don't think sellers would mind doing it."

She said she would recommend Stanmer Park as a good place to go for a family day out and the Lanes for the shops.

She said: "I always seem to get people asking me where Marks & Spencer is for some reason."

Adrian Parsons, 37, or "Beaver" as he is known on the street, said he would send people to see the alternative clubs and bars unique to Brighton.

He has spent the summer in Brighton since 1985.

He said: "It's a bit different here and it's got the best restaurants and chippies."

A spokesman for The Big Issue said: "It is a matter of personal choice for the vendors. If people want to include them as ambassadors, we would be keen.

"It would be great to have them more widely involved in the community and good for their self esteem."

A full meeting of the city council on Thursday agreed to set up a sub-committee dealing specifically with culture, sport and tourism.

Chief executive David Panter will be asked to prepare a report on how this could be done.