BURNLEY'S first official seller of the homeless magazine The Big Issue is a former Burnley lad.

Craig Daley, 30, now lives in a squat in Hulme in Manchester, but travels by bus back to Burnley from Wednesday to Saturday to sell the magazine.

The Big Issue is celebrating its 100th issue this week after a successful three years in business giving homeless people an income.

Craig said: "I was originally from Sycamore Avenue in Burnley, but I got into trouble and left for London.

"I have spent time with New Age Travellers and been in prison and have been homeless four about four to five years now. But I have been out of trouble for eight years and I am hoping through selling the magazine I will get back on my feet.

"I have been selling The Big Issue for about 18 months and it has enabled me to buy food and clothes although I haven't managed to save up enough for a deposit on a flat but I am working on that.

"My dream is being able to have a flat, a car, a wife and children and a normal life and selling The Big Issue will give me a chance to have that.

"Without the magazine I would have to resort to begging and that is illegal."

Craig has been selling the magazine in Burnley for about three weeks and has already built up regular customers.

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