It is illegal to beg

A Bristol beggar has been banned from asking passers-by for money.

Peter Preston, believed to be in his 30s from Lincoln, was handed the injunction by Judge Bird, sitting at Bristol Guildhall.

The city council applied for the injunction as part of the city's Streetwise campaign.

The campaign, in partnership with the police, aims to help beggars to leave the streets and seek treatment for their addiction.

A spokesman for the city council said: "The council and its partners are determined to use the law to encourage those who persistently beg to change their lifestyle.

"This is for their own health and wellbeing as well as for the good of the city and other local people.

"We are extremely pleased that the courts have supported our approach and we hope this injunction will encourage Peter to start to change the way he lives."