AN ASSEMBLY Member has followed in his fathers footsteps to tackle the issue of homelessness.

Jack Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, took on the challenge of selling the Big Issue alongside Plaid Cymru Member Bethan Sayed almost a year to the day after Carl Sargeant donned the tabard.

The former Communities and Children Secretary, Carl, tried his hand as a vendor in Cardiff last year, a month before his death and Jack said the experience inspired his father to tackle homelessness.

The AM, who sold five magazines in an hour, said: "One of the things I remember talking to my dad about was homelessness.

"Before he passed away he wanted to focus his efforts on tackling it after selling The Big Issue showed him a lot. Unfortunately he never got to do that so it was a really useful experience for me to come here a year after my dad had sold the magazine alongside Bethan."

Jack took part in the sell-off experience with vendor Mike Hall on the Royal Arcade pitch in the Welsh capital last week.

He added: "To sell five magazines, I think, was quite good going. I was quite happy with how the general public received me because it can be quite a lonely job.

"I think the experience showed me the importance of stopping and having that conversation because that can really help someone, not just by buying the magazine. Even a smile at someone on the street can save a life.

"I think my dad would have been very proud looking down on me and Bethan. More people in my position should try it - it's a really valuable experience."

The AM wrote exclusively for The Big Issue in May, shortly after becoming Wales' youngest-ever Assembly Member.

Bethan Sayed also sold the magazine and managed to top her 2017 tally after returning to take part, this time joining vendor Mark Richards.

She said: "I sold four this time, which is three more than last time. I learned not to take it personally when somebody would walk past me because last year I felt sad and that is something that must be challenging if you are doing this full-time."

Beth Thomas, The Big Issue regional manager, added: "The sell-off experience was a great opportunity to show Jack and Bethan, on a small scale, what everyday life selling the magazine on the streets is like for Big Issue vendors.

"Mike and Mark were both fantastic ambassadors for The Big Issue, showing them the ropes, providing sales tips as well as sharing their experiences of homelessness and poverty."