People who want to help those who are homeless are being encouraged to give to a recognised charity rather than directly to beggars on Dover’s streets.

It comes amid concerns that some of those who beg are not homeless and spend the money on alcohol and drugs.

A similar scheme which has been launched in Maidstone warns people that they could be killing the recipients with their kindness.

By giving to charities such as Porchlight, which helps rough sleepers in Dover, people can be sure that their money is being targeted in the right direction.

Porchlight spokesman Mark Parry said: “There is an issue across the county with people begging who are not homeless. It can often serve to reinforce negative attitudes towards the homeless which is something Porchlight is working hard to change.

“Donating money to a charity will have the most positive impact and actually change people’s lives. Giving money to people begging only helps to sustain a street lifestyle, which is detrimental to the person themselves and the wider community.”

One man who regularly asks people for money in Pencester Road has then been seen to go straight to a nearby bookmakers.