Former drug addict Ivan Betson, who yesterday sold The Big Issue to the Queen, opened his heart last night to reveal his battle to rebuild his life.

Until the early Nineties the future looked bright for Ivan.

He came from a working class background and despite his parents splitting-up as a child, he had worked hard at school and college.

A qualified landscape gardener, he had a job he loved and a girlfriend he was "besotted" with. He lived at Eastbourne Marina.

His world fell apart when his relationship collapsed and he ended up on the streets after his savings ran out.

Ivan turned to heroin in despair but, unlike many others, now says he has kicked the habit.

His meeting with the Queen has given him fresh optimism.

He said: "I have always believed in the Royal Family. I always thought they were good for the country.

"I thought the Queen would be a bit stuffy but she was really nice.

"I was asked to give her a copy of The Big Issue.

"I didn't think she was going to pay for it. I always thought that royalty didn't carry cash.

"But she said, 'Oh look what I have got in my hand' and passed me the pound coin.

"I thought she was just going to give the magazine to one of her helpers but she held on to it. She smiled and said, 'Thank you'."

Ivan plans to get himself a flat in the next three months.