HAMPSHIRE'S famous faces have signed an open love letter to Scotland, urging the Scots to stay part of the UK.

Lymington's Olympic sailing hero Ben Ainslie has joined other sporting stars from the county, including cricketing legend David Gower and runner Roger Black to support the Let's Stay Together campaign ahead of the historic vote on independence.

Southampton TV presenter Fiona Phillips and one of the New Forest's most well known residents Esther Rantzen have also signed the letter appealing to Scots to vote No for independence.

The letter says: “The decision on whether to leave our shared country is, of course, absolutely yours alone.

“Nevertheless, that decision will have a huge effect on all of us in the rest of the United Kingdom.

“We want to let you know how very much we value our bonds of citizenship with you, and to express our hope that you will vote to renew them.

“What unites us is much greater than what divides us. Let's stay together.”

Other celebrities signing the letter include Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Bruce Forsyth, Dame Judi Dench and Simon Cowell.

The letter was organised by TV historians Tom Holland and Dan Snow ahead of the referendum on September 18.