The Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign has enjoyed a huge boost from the sales of the Oxford Loyal wristbands.

Profits from the sales of the £1 wristbands, which were launched three weeks ago as a way of showing support for Oxford United, are being split between the campaign and United's youth development squad.

As soon as they went on sale they proved to be a real hit and, after demand exceeded supply, the Oxford Mail, which teamed up with United to launch the bands, ordered a second batch of 2,000 bands.

Among those sporting the bright yellow and blue wristbands are Trevor Lambert, the chairman of United supporters' trust OxVox, and wife Sally, who works at the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Headington, where the Children's Hospital is being built.

Mr Lambert said: "Obviously, wearing a band is well worthwhile, because it shows support for two worthy causes.

"United have an important season ahead of them, so it's crucial people show their support and while doing that they also help raise cash for the children's hospital campaign."

Mrs Lambert added: "We're both Oxford United supporters and have been for years.

"As I work at the hospital, I have witnessed the bands being sold from the newsagents there, so I'm more than aware of how popular they are and the good causes they're working for.

"The bands are a great opportunity to support two good causes in one."

Alice Gosling, director of fundraising for the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign, said: "The bands are a tremendous idea and it's great to see that they have been selling so well."

Mick Brown, United's club secretary, said the club was amazed at the response there had been to the wristbands.

He said: "This time of year is usually quiet here at the Kassam, but people have been coming in just to buy their Oxford Loyal wristbands.

"It has been tremendous. Even people who might not normally go in for the wristband thing have bought one as a way of showing support.

"We've all been wearing ours with pride."

The bands will be on sale at Oxford United's fun day tomorrow, at the Kassam Stadium, from 10am to 2pm. They are also available from: the Oxford Mail's head office in Osney Mead, Oxford; our district offices in Witney, Banbury and Bicester; Rose Hill Post Office; Delteys, Blackbird Leys Road, Blackbird Leys; Spar, Dunnock Way, Greater Leys; Acorn News, St Nicholas Road, Littlemore; Martin's newsagent's at the John Radcliffe Hospital and Box of Delights, Shipton Road, Woodstock;