Blood stocks in Coventry and Warwickshire are falling fast and more volunteers are needed to help keep supplies up through the summer.

People who regularly give blood, but know that they will miss their next session because of holidays are being urged to arrange an alternative time.

Stocks of blood for emergency use have been falling since Easter, and members of the National Blood Service are keen to make sure that levels do not fall further in the holiday.

National Blood Service spokesperson Carlene Dias said:

“If donors are going to miss their next local session we are asking them to please contact our National Donor Helpline on 0845 711711 to arrange a more suitable date and time for them to give that vital pint.

“We always need new donors as well, and if you are aged 17 to 60 and in general good health lease call the same number to find out more about becoming a donor.”

Only about six per cent of the eligible population are donors, but 1,100 donations a day are needed in the West Midlands – that’s 70,000 new donors.

Donors with o-negative blood are particularly needed because their blood can be given to people of other groups in an emergency.