ECO-warrior Spider is to take time out from his housing battle on Coronation Street to highlight the cause of homelessness in Bolton.

On screen Spider, alias actor Martin Hancock, has been busy helping best friend Curly evict squatter Jackie Dodds from his house.

But off screen, he has agreed to promote the cause of homeless people by opening an exhibition at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery this Friday.

As reported in the BEN, four homeless magazine sellers have been working behind the scenes at the art gallery for several months.

Staff have helped the vendors stage an exhibition of their own work and covers from the Big Issue magazine in a bid to give them an insight into the work of a professional art gallery.

Carl, a former art student who ended up on the streets after a relationship breakdown, praised the scheme.

He said: "The project has rekindled my interest in creative work.

"I think the public will enjoy the exhibition, but it will make them aware of the serious issues represented."

Liverpool artist Alan Dunn has also been involved in the project through a wider scheme to design posters for North West bus shelters.

He said: "I jumped at the chance to work with The Big Issue in the North because I believe in what they stand for and have sympathy with what they're doing to promote the problem of homelessness."

Other venues have also shown an interest in taking the exhibition when it leaves Bolton and it is expected to tour Liverpool, Huddersfield and Leeds.

Admission is free and the exhibition will run until May 29th.

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