A Big Issue seller has been attacked by an eight-strong gang who sprayed him in the face with CS gas.

The assault on Wednesday followed weeks of tormenting by a group of young people.

His badge and bag of magazines were taken.

Now Keighley Town Centre Management (TCM) is appealing for supermarkets to let the two vendors sell in the entrances to their stores.

Town centre manager Sandra Parnham said: "This is disgusting. He has been hassled for quite a while by this gang now and it's a real shame.

"The vendors have said how friendly and understanding the majority of the people are in Keighley. We would like the town's supermarkets to offer the vendors their lobbies as part of their pitch."

The TCM's policy is to discourage illegal begging in the town centre and to support the legal Big Issue vendors.

This week Keighley TCM announced it would support the town's Big Issue vendors in a practical way with a gift of warm clothing.

Using TCM funding they bought two warm coats and two sweatshirts.

Project officer at town centre management Margaret Evans said: "Selling The Big Issue is an opportunity for people to help themselves.

"One of the sellers in Keighley recently found full-time employment so the area he worked will now have a new vendor.

"In Keighley there are two pitches that the vendors work from -- outside the post office and in Low Street outside the market."

Councillor Andrew Mallinson said: "Thanks to the group and thanks to Speaks Workwear, who gave us a discount, we have been able to help these young men to do their job in this cold weather."