The Don't Give to Beggars campaign has won overwhelming support from our readers.

Yesterday people were asked: 'Should we give to beggars?" The result was a resounding no.

Of those taking part in our current website poll, 86.5 per cent said no and 13.5 per cent said yes.

An Argus telephone poll was evenly split, with 50 per cent saying the public should not give to beggars and 50 per cent saying they should.

The Don't Give to Beggars Campaign was launched following reports that Brighton and Hove people were inadvertently lining the pockets of drug-dealers when they gave cash to beggars.

A police survey found more than a third of beggars admitted spending their money on heroin.

Charity workers and groups who support the homeless say those seen begging on the streets are not always rough-sleepers.

The campaign aims to persuade well-meaning people to give money to charities and support services for the homeless rather than directly to beggars.