DAY trips and outings are going to be plain sailing now for youngsters at a Hampshire children's hospice thanks to passengers and crew of the world's most famous ship, Southampton's Queen Elizabeth 2.

The 70,327-ton Cunard flagship arrived in the city's docks bringing with her a bumper cheque for £27,661 to buy a specially-adapted minibus for the hospice near Winchester.

Every year, since QE2's first world cruise in 1975, it has become a tradition for the liner to raise money for children's charities as the vessel voyages around the globe.

Representatives from Naomi House at Sutton Scotney were invited on board the luxury liner by the ship's master, Captain Ron Warwick, for a special cheque presentation ceremony on the liner's bridge.

Captain Warwick said: "All the passengers and crew are absolutely delighted to be able to hand over this cheque for such an excellent cause.

"QE2 passengers are extremely supportive and involved with the fund-raising and the ship's company always enjoy organising events such as a fancy dress tug o' war and a sponsored endurance swim in one of the pools, as well as a crew talent cabaret show.''

The main fund-raising event is always QE2's country fair with up to 30 stalls, all manned by passengers and crew.

"Everyone looks forward to the fair, which is just the same as those held in towns and villages throughout the country,'' said Captain Warwick.

"There are raffles, tombolas, fortune telling, silent auctions, a white elephant sale and even a second-hand clothes stall.

"One of our regular passengers repairs watches and replaces batteries, another has published a booklet about QE2 and a couple brought three huge soft toys on board to raffle.''

The minibus, which will be able to carry up to eight wheelchairs with parents and hospice staff, will be used to take children at Naomi House out for day trips and visits.

Khalid Aziz, chairman of the Wessex Children's Hospice Trust which runs Naomi House, said: "This a marvellous donation and one which I can assure everyone will be put to great use.

"The children, parents and staff would like to say a big thank-you to QE2 for choosing Naomi House and for such a generous donation.''

Over the years QE2 has helped charities in America, Thailand, the Philippines, Romania and Samoa besides UK-based organisations.

In 1998 the ship raised funds for the fitting-out of cabins and for safety equipment on the Southampton-based Jubilee Sailing Trust's training ship, Tenacious.

Last year the Children Say organisation, which is also based in the city and helps local deaf youngsters, was picked by QE2 for its major charity effort.