CONTACTLESS payments are now accepted by 22 out of the 36 Big Issue sellers in Dorset as part of a drive to help the magazine's sellers become cashless.

Research has shown a vendor offering cashless payments will sell a third more magazines.

Contactless payments can be made on the vendors' mobile devices via Zettle by PayPal card reader.

Read more: Appeal for witnesses after 'nighthawkers' damage farmland near Dorchester

Russell Blackman, of The Big Issue, said: "We have long-recognised that we are operating in an increasingly cashless society, even more so since the pandemic.

"Big Issue vendors are micro-entrepreneurs, effectively running their own small businesses, so understandably there are many who are keen to offer their customers an alternative to cash.

Read more: Man caught selling suspected stolen baby food in Weymouth

"The rollout of the new Tap to Pay feature now lowers the barriers to financial inclusion further, making cashless sales more accessible for more of our vendors.

"The partnership with Zettle by PayPal reflects our shared values and commitment to creating a more financially inclusive society, supporting those whose lives have been blighted by poverty and a lack of opportunity."