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

Officials at the Department of the Environment, Transport and 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.

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 exactly where your money is going.

"If you give to the individual there's simply no way of knowing if you are just fuelling a drug habit."

And champions of the homeless cause, The Big Issue in the North, sympathised with the initiative.

A spokesman said : "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."