THE National Blood Service is appealing for people all over Hampshire to keep giving blood over the last few weeks of the summer holiday period to ensure that blood stocks stay healthy.

The NBS needs to collect 10,000 units of blood in England and north Wales every day, so it is vital that people keep giving throughout the holiday period to ensure that hospital patients get the lifesaving treatments that they need.

Despite the fact that patients needed 2.4 million unit of blood last year, only six per cent of the eligible population currently give blood.

Traditionally, blood stocks can dip at this time of year because people are enjoying the last of their summer activities and are getting children ready for a new school year.

NBS regional communications manager Jane Samuel said: "With the summer holiday season still in full swing and people busy preparing for the new school term, donors sometimes miss their usual session. "However, it is vital that people keep coming to sessions so that we can keep the blood stocks healthy.

"The demand for blood never stops and we have to collect blood on a daily basis because it does not have a long shelflife. Therefore, we are urging people to go along to their local session.

"New and lapsed donors are always welcome at sessions and can just turn up on the day."

The next local session is at the Forest Community Centre on Tuesday, September 20, between 1-30 pm and 3-25 pm, and then between 4-30 pm and 6-45 pm.

For more details on becoming a blood donor, call the national donor Helpline on 0845 7 711 711 or visit http://www.blood.co.uk">www.blood.co.uk.