The Big Issue in the North magazine which helps the homeless earn a living, is setting up an office in Preston.

The magazine, sold on the streets by homeless people, has opened a new office at The Salvation Army, Harrington Street, near the university.

Bosses of the weekly publication are confident the new base will help homeless people to sell the magazine on the streets of Preston and in neighbouring towns such as Blackpool and Blackburn.

Until now the nearest place where vendors could buy the publication has been in Liverpool.

Vendors buy the magazines for 50p and sell them for £1.20, keeping 70p for every copy sold.

Keith Smith, regional sales manager for The Big Issue in the North, said: "These offices are an exciting development.

"Vendors won't have to travel so far to buy the magazines. We will be able to work with even more homeless people, helping them earn a legitimate income."

The magazine's previous Preston outlet in Fox Street, closed two years ago due to cash problems. Since then the 15-20 vendors who used to sell the magazine in the city has dwindled to just four.

Big Issue in the North bosses hope the Salvation Army partnership will also give vendors more access to homeless services offered by the charity which includes practical help and emotional support.

Greg Smith, community co-ordinator for The Salvation Army in Preston, said: "It's good to be working alongside The Big Issue in the North which helps homeless people to help themselves in a way charitable handouts can never do. "