A TOWN centre Big Issue salesman says he can’t wait to see his customers when he returns to his pitch on Monday.

Martin Hawes, who sells the magazine outside Marks and Spencer’s on Regent Street, has been absent from his usual pitch during the third lockdown – in common with other Big Issue vendors.

He’ll be back from Monday, as shops, gyms and hairdressers reopen their doors.

The 60-year-old said: “I’m looking forward to being back on my pitch with a welcome smile to welcome back all my regular customers as well as new ones.

“I'll be back on April 12 and can't wait to see everyone again. I listen to people and I connect with people.

READ MORE: Pubs, gyms, hairdressers - full list of things allowed to reopen on April 12

“Selling The Big Issue isn't all about money, it’s my way of dealing with my mental health problems as this third lockdown has had a very serious impact on me.

“I was hoping to go back to Thailand again in March of this year. That isn't going to happen now but I hope to go in October 2021. I was out there in March last year and I had to cut my holiday short by two weeks due to Covid-19. I love Thailand and I hope I can go back when lockdown is over.”

The Big Issue said its sellers would be provided with PPE and equipment enabling them to take contactless card payments.

The magazine’s founder, Lord Bird, said: “We are full of pride and hope that, after over 22 weeks of being in lockdown, our vendors are back out there, able to reconnect with their local communities and earn a legitimate income once again.”