The Big Issue magazine, like many of the homeless people it supports, has had its ups and downs.

One of those was in 2001 when the ten-year-old publication was losing both staff and advertising.

But founder John Bird and his team have pulled the magazine round with the result that it's doing well again.

It's thanks to the drive of Mr Bird and the generosity of Body Shop founders Anita and Gordon Roddick that the magazine has been such a success.

Their idea of giving the homeless a genuine product to sell rather than having to resort to begging was an inspired one.

Sometimes there are complaints in Brighton and Hove that there are far too many sellers.

But most Big Issue sellers are trained and disciplined, unlike beggars who have been a nuisance in the city.

The fact so many of them are able to sell the magazine in Brighton and Hove shows the city's generous spirit and the pressing need to help the homeless.

All the time there is a housing crisis in Brighton and Hove, Big Issue sellers will be on the streets.

Not until homelessness is defeated will they go and, despite all the best efforts of housing groups, the city council and volunteers, it will be many years before that happens - if it ever does.