OLLY the Ox is the latest personality to get behind the yellow wristbands which have been flying off shelves around the city.

More than 600 of the bands — sales of which are set to directly benefit Oxford United’s squad — have been snapped up for a suggested minimum donation of £1.

Every penny from the purchases will go to the 12th Man fund, which raises cash for manager Chris Wilder to spend on new players.

At Templars Square shopping centre in Cowley yesterday, club mascot Olly the Ox joined shoppers to spread the word.

Olly told fans: “Make a mooo-ve to get your wristbands and if you see me at the game tomorrow, come and give me a high five.”

United’s football in the community officer Peter Rhoades-Brown said: “Olly has become so popular, he’s even more popular than me!

“We have changed his profile, given him a facelift and he’s been on the soccer school so he’s got some new tricks.

“Everywhere we go it’s not just kids, it’s adults and grandparents — they all want a picture with him.

“He’s got a profile on Facebook and has got 300 friends in just two weeks.

“We are going out handing out flyers for the big FA Cup game next week and for this weekend’s game.

“Every Friday before home games we will be out in the city centre.”

He added: “The 12th Man fund is a great idea and I am sure we will see hundreds of people wearing the wristbands wherever we go.”

U’s fans Kayleigh Platt and Aimee Butler, who work at Thomas Cook in the shopping centre, jumped at the chance to buy a wristband.

Aimee said: “I think it’s a really good idea, the kids love this kind of thing.”

Her friend added: “Everyone should go out and get a wristband, we will be recommending them to people who come and see us.”

l If you are a shop owner in Oxfordshire and would like to sell the wristbands contact the Oxford Mail on 01865 425282