IT IS the bus supported by Hampshire legends.

Now two Saints footballers have backed the campaign for Southampton’s new children’s emergency and trauma department.

James Ward-Prowse and Sam McQueen, have added their signature to a special Xelabus to promote the Southampton Hospital Charity campaign to raise £2m for the innovative new department.

Just this week midfielder James, 22, was called up to the senior England squad, and defender Sam, 22, was also called up to the national Under 21 squad.

The bus will make a series of VIP stops across Hampshire collecting signatures and raising awareness of the £4.8 million hospital project

James said: “It’s great to be able to support campaigns like this and try to help out where we can.

“The children’s emergency and trauma department appeal is a superb cause and I hope that it can reach its intended goals.

“These kind of initiatives are hugely important for the children of Southampton and the surrounding area.”

The new facility will be spread across 1,390m² and is expected to help more than 30,000 poorly youngsters every year.

Sam added: “This is something that could make a huge difference to the community and I wish the charity the very best with its fundraising efforts.”

The new facility will include a dedicated reception, triage and waiting room, children’s emergency x-ray, procedural sedation room, acute assessment unit, observed treatment area and short-stay unit.

Amber Badger-Bell, major gifts officer at Southampton Hospital Charity, said: “It’s been wonderful having Saints join us in celebration of the charity’s latest venture.

“The support for the new children’s emergency and trauma department in such a short amount of time has been fantastic – and we would like to thank everyone for that.

However, we still have a long way to go before we hit our £2 million target.

“Whether you are a member of the community or a business looking to support a charitable cause, please do consider getting behind this campaign.”

To back the Southampton Hospital Charity call 023 8120 8881.