Graffiti is being daubed across Brighton and Hove - but for once the police and council are right behind it.

A total of 29 Big Issue pitches are being spray-painted on pavements throughout the city to deter rogue vendors.

The city is the second in the UK to use the scheme as a way of making licensed sellers instantly recognisable to the public. Bath introduced the pitches two years ago.

Big Issue vendor Mark, who has a pitch at Brighton station, said: "It's a great idea. There are a lot of rogue vendors who harass people by saying 'It's my last Big Issue' and then running off with the money before giving the person their magazine.

"It gives us licensed vendors a bad name."

Mark stands on a Big Issue A4-sized mat in the station because, as it is an English Heritage site, spray paint is not allowed to be used.

Pete Wileman, manager of the Big Issue in Brighton, thinks the pitches are a recognisable sign of the good relationship between the magazine staff, the police and the local authority.

He said: "We wanted to educate the public as to who and where the legitimate vendors are. We have had a problem with people who are not licensed vendors."

Councillor Sue John, responsible for partnerships in the city, said: "We are very pleased to be playing a part in this."