THE streets of Preston could be clear of beggars this Christmas if shoppers heed government advice not to give them cash.

And a string of local homeless agencies have backed the campaign to urge people not to give spare change to people sleeping rough on the streets.

Instead officials at the Department of the Environment, Transport anf the Regions (DETR) are advocating goodwill gifts, such as blankets and clothes, to charities and homeless organisations as ideal Christmas gestures.

The campaign is an attempt to lure genuinely homeless folk into hostels and away from the streets where they are more likely to fall victim to drug or alcohol abuse.

Chairman of Preston's Lune Street Methodist Church management committee, Harry Hobbs, which runs a night shelter in Fox Street, said that while the homelessness issue is never "black or white" he believed the government's plan hit the nail on the head.

He said: "I am not 100 per cent in favour of the campaign, but I agree with the motive. There are many opportunists out there and we need to know who is genuine and who isn't."

A spokesman for the Salvation Army added: "It's better to give money to agencies who aim to help people get off the street. This way you know where your money is going.

"If you give to the individual you don't know if you are fuelling a drug habit." And champions of the homeless cause, The Big Issue in the North, sympathised with the initiative saying: "We do not condone begging. The magazine was established to provide homeless people with a legitimate way to earn a living instead of begging or petty crime.

"But don't just stop giving money to beggars -- ask for evidence that your tax money is being spent on making a real difference to the poorest in society."

Not everyone agreed with the Government's approach to helping the homeless.

Peter Williams, 32, a busker on Church Street, said that although some beggars are not genuine, it is wrong to try and tell people what to do with their money.

He said: "I would be in trouble if people stopped giving money altogether. Many people will drop a few spare coins as they pass, but I can't imagine them seeking out an organisation just to hand over a few coppers. So we lose out in the end anyway."

Simon Reid, 24, a beggar outside Fishergate shopping centre, added: "The government are out of order! When people give to shelters we see none of it. I've been and some of them charge you £11 a night so the government are taking the wrong approach!"