Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing single copies of newspapers or the like by the operation of a pull and push handle that is linked to a plate carrying needles that draw one copy of a newspaper outwardly from a tray through a dispensing door. The newspapers are carried on a spring biased tray that advances newspapers upwardly. The tray is controlled by a brake lock mechanism that allows the tray to be moved upward to a sufficient distance relative to the dispensing door so that only a single copy is drawn outwardly and wherein the brake lock locks the tray at the same respective vertical location for the next paper to be dispensed. A safety ratchet mechanism is arranged with a cable pulley system that is driven by a tension spring arrangement whereby the delivery person may load incremental amounts of newspapers on the tray and safely advance the tray downwardly against the spring loading.