SAINTS stars have got behind a campaign that will see youngsters from across Hampshire help police wage a war on crime.

James Ward-Prowse, Graziano Pelle, Morgan Schneiderlin and Jack Cork are among the players who have pledged their support to the Daily Echo-backed Be Part of the Solution campaign which is due to be launched by the Police Crime Commissioner (PCC) at today’s match against Stoke City FC.

Ward-Prowse, who is still on the sidelines after fracturing his foot in last month’s game against Swansea, wrote on the pledge wall on the campaign’s website: “The choice is yours – Be Part of the Solution and make a positive difference in your local community. Pledge your support at bepartofthesolution.org.uk.”

The players have been joined by Saints Foundation Ambassador, 400m runner Iwan Thomas MBE, who has also pledged his support, writing: “Show everyone you know that you want to Be Part of the Solution.

"Get involved by pledging your support at bepartofthesolution.org.uk.”

PCC Simon Hayes will be urging fans to join their heroes and make a pledge before kick-off today.

The Be Part of the Solution campaign, is inviting young people to promote the positive things they are already doing to solve problems in their communities, while asking others to pledge their support.

Mr Hayes hopes the campaign will stop young people from turning to a life of crime and improve the relationship between youngsters, the community and police.

He said: “It’s great to have the support of Southampton Football Club for the Be Part of the Solution campaign. Through the Saints Foundation, the club has invested heavily in young people with great success.

“Young people are often unfairly perceived as being anti-social simply by being young and hanging out with other young people in groups.

“This campaign and my Youth Commission are great examples of the energy, enthusiasm, goodwill and good intention that young people have to offer in abundance.”

They also offered ideas on how to tackle domestic abuse, antisocial behaviour, drug and alcohol abuse, young offenders and the relationship between young people and the police.

  • To pledge to Be Part of the Solution, log on to bepartofthesolution.org.uk
  • Follow the campaign through Twitter @BePartoftheSol or #BePartoftheSolution
  • Organisations can get involved by calling the office of the Police Crime Commissioner on 01962 871 595 or emailing opcc@hampshire.pnn. police.uk