Homeless people selling the Big Issue are to be given smartphones in order to “go beyond selling the magazine, and to begin acting as news gatherers”.

Vendors will be encouraged to blog, tweet, use Facebook and capture images and audio, according to Big Issue founder John Bird MBE.

“Big Issue vendors stand on streets up and down the country come rain or shine, hence they are uniquely connected to their local area.  

“We want them to become the eyes and ears of their neighbourhoods, offering a unique perspective and simultaneously developing the skills which will get them off the streets.”