A mother and her daughter say they've lost faith in their church after being given a dressing down for giving money to a Big Issue vendor.

Lesley-Anne Brennan and daughter Kerry were told their church had a policy of not giving money to the homeless after giving £10 to a Big Issue seller.

The man, known only as Jason, walked into a service at St Nicholas' Church in Dyke Road, to light a candle in the chapel.

Lesley-Anne and Kerry could hear Jason crying and handed him the cash because they were concerned about his welfare.

After the service, they were shocked to be told the church did not give money to Jason.

They were even more upset to learn the church is hosting a lecture about rough sleepers, entitled Don't Give Them Any Money.

They said the tone the church was taking betrayed the spirit of Christianity, as giving to the poor is encouraged in The Bible.

Lesley-Anne said: "I was astonished by the reaction. Some people didn't speak to us after the service while others told us the money would only end up in the pockets of drug dealers. We were accused of only giving Jason the money to make ourselves feel better, which is utter nonsense.

"I was appalled that people who are supposed to care for the needy could be so inhuman. They really showed their true colours."

Kerry, 29, said: "I could not believe a Christian had actually told me not to give money to a beggar. I thought the idea was to help other people.

"When I handed Jason the money he looked me straight in the eye and said thank you. He was obviously so grateful."

Canon Derek Moody, who has worked at St Nicholas' for 15 years, said the church gives ten per cent of the cash raised during collections to charities, including St Patrick's Centre for the Homeless in Hove and the Brighton Housing Trust.

Even though Jason was wearing a Big Issue seller's badge, Canon Moody said he was not homeless, as members of the congregation had visited his home with blankets and food.

He said: "The advice we have been given is that we are not doing these people any favours by giving them money. If they are drug users or alcoholics, money will fund an addiction.

"We regularly make generous donations to the places which look after these people. We give in kind."

Many homeless charities take a similar line to the church, suggesting people give to charities which give homeless people a helping hand to get off the streets rather than hand them money directly.

The Argus launched a Don't Give to Beggars Campaign in 2000 following reports the public in Brighton and Hove were inadvertently lining the pockets of drug dealers when they gave cash to beggars.

A police survey found more than a third of beggars admitted spending their money on heroin. The campaign aimed to persuade members of the public to give money to charities for the homeless instead.

However, Lesley-Ann said Jason was a genuine Big Issue seller who had come into the church to pray and had not begged her for money.

She said she gave him £10 out of her concern for his welfare, backed by her Christian beliefs.

There was also nothing to suggest he was a drug addict or an alcoholic.

Canon Moody admitted he could not tell that Jason might spend the money on drugs or alcohol instead of, perhaps, food.

The lecture on the homeless, due to be held on Sunday, is being hosted by Reverend Craig Barber from St Bartholomew's church, who has worked with rough sleepers.

Canon Moody said: "We want to have an active discussion about this issue, which we know is controversial."

Lesley-Anne and Kerry, of Trafalgar Close, Peacehaven, were unconvinced.

Kerry said: "The whole sentiment of the lecture seems very wrong. I am disgusted."