The annual glut of strawberries might herald the arrival of Wimbledon, but the summer sporting bonanza risks causing deaths in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Blood supplies, already dwindling, are at risk of sinking even further because of the amount of sport on television.

Too many regular donors are missing their session, and that is causing a serious shortage in blood reserves.

Wimbledon fortnight, which traditionally sees thousands of tennis fans glues to their television screens, is expected to lead to another slump.

The National Blood Service is bracing itself for a ten per cent drop in collections in the West Midlands – about 1,000 units of blood.

A spokesman said:

“Euro 2000 hit our collections and now the situation is likely to get worse because of the tennis.

“Wimbledon has an effect every year and we try to plan for it, but this year the knock-on effect from football means we are starting from a lower base than we would like.

”In addition, the Olympics start soon and we fear we will lose donations because of them.”

As well as the sport, millions of people go on holiday and hundreds of businesses close for a break.

The spokesman said that it was therefore vitally important the people do turn up when asked to give blood.

“We cannot stress how important it is that donors should turn out for their local sessions. I people know they will be away, please get in touch with us on 08457 711 711, and we will find you a suitable alternative date.”