AN Astley man is warning parents in Leigh to ignore requests in the street for them to buy copies of a publication called "Gag Mag".

William Scott of First Avenue said he bought a copy in Leigh on Saturday after thinking it was a traditional 'Rag Mag'.

But when he got home and saw his two grandchildren, aged 10 and 12 year, with the magazine he was absolutely appalled at what they were reading.

"The entire magazine, if you can call it that, is full of filthy jokes and badly drawn cartoons.

"There is nothing in the booklet, which cost me £1, to say who is getting the money from it and nothing saying who has produced it. All it says is that it is to support the unemployed.

"My strong advice to anyone approached in the street is to refuse to buy one. This sort of thing should not be allowed to be sold in a public place."

A council spokesman commented: "These people have not been sanctioned by the council for such selling. In fact they need a hawker's licence if selling in the street. We would advise anyone being approached to ignore them and refuse to buy a copy of this publication, and if there is any hassle or pressure on them to by anything then they should contact the police."

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