THE beat goes on for a charity music campaign after Hampshire police officers pledged their support to help raise cash for good causes.

Bobbies at Southampton Central police station are following in the footstep of crews at Redbridge fire station by aiming to hand over tapes, CDs and vinyl.

The campaign, backed by the Daily Echo, has been set-up by Oxfam's Portswood Music Store.

It launched the appeal because the second-hand store has proved such a hit since it opened last summer that it needed to boost stock levels.

Music lovers can hand over items in person at the store and firms are being encouraged to set up their own donation banks for workers.

Proceeds from the records sold at the store, the first charity music outlet of its kind in the country, will go to a range of Oxfam's good causes.

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: "We are delighted to be able to give Oxfam's Portswood Music Store our support for this campaign.

"We are always pleased to be able to help any charitable cause in Southampton."

Dozens of donations have been handed to the shop since the start of the campaign earlier this month.

Campaign co-ordinator Richard Chorley said: "We hope other groups, organisations and businesses will join in with the appeal.

"All they need to do is encourage their workers or members to bring in their records, then we'll pick them up and do the rest."

Music donations, including instruments and hi-fi equipment, can be taken to the shop itself, as well as to Oxfam branches in Shirley High Street.

Items can also be dropped off anytime at The Vicarage, St Christ-opher's Church, Hinkler Road, Thornhill and at The Coxford Community Centre, Olive Road on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 5.30pm to 10pm.

For details on the campaign, or setting up a donation point, telephone 023 8055 3719 or 077 6020 8881or 07814 545 621.