Mischievous activists have won Vatican approval for their campaign to stop shoppers buying anything for 24 hours.

Organisers of this weekend's Buy Nothing Day have won support from across the world for their unusual stand against consumer culture.

Littlehampton-based organiser Michael Smith, who dresses in outlandish costumes to confront Christmas shoppers in the street, took the call from fans at the Vatican.

The response from Rome helped him overcome the disappointment of Brighton and Hove's apparent greediness.

Michael first organised a day for spending nothing eight years ago but last November's event was his first in Brighton.

He spent the day in Churchill Square, Brighton, dressed as Santa.

In previous years, he and fellow protesters have worn mock police uniforms and handed out fake fines to anyone caught shopping.

This year he is considering dressing in a doctor's coat and handing out mock prescriptions, such as "Buy only what you need".

His message is the world wastes too much money, time and materials on consumer goods, ignoring a lot of simpler pleasures.

Michael had expected shoppers in Brighton and Hove to be amenable to his arguments.

Michael, 35, of Gloucester Road, said: "I thought people would be more receptive but it was really hard work getting people to stop and read our leaflets."

In London and abroad, though, it has been a different story.

Michael's web site at www.buynothingday lists 101 ways to celebrate the day, including becoming a Samaritan, having a picnic and writing to your grandmother.

His anti-consumerism message won the interest of the Vatican's in-house radio station, which called him up for an interview.

Michael said: "It would be nice to think the Pope was taking an interest in what we were doing."

Michael will be taking to the streets of central London on Buy Nothing Day this Saturday.

Thursday November 27, 2003