The world's first homeless vending machine has been removed from a Nottingham shopping centre after the council said it was encouraging people to stay on the street.

The machine, which was installed in the Broadmarsh centre in December as part of a trial, had provided 24-hour access to food, clothing and hygiene products for homeless people.

According to Action Hunger, the charity behind the initiative, the late Stephen Hawking had described the concept as "inspirational" in a recent letter sent to the charity.

Mr Hawking became a patron of the charity earlier this year in a move which is thought to be one of his last charitable endeavors.