AN urgent appeal has gone out to fill blood donor sessions in Somerset.

NHS Blood and Transplant wants to attract more people to give blood at the following sessions next week:

  • St James Church, St James Street, Taunton, on Tuesday, July 12, which is only 48 per cent full;
  • Edgar Hall, 8 Cary Court, Somerton Business Park, Bancombe Road, Somerton, on Wednesday, July 13, which is only 74 per cent full;
  • Glastonbury Town Hall, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, on Friday, July 15, which is only 62 per cent full.

You can make the appointment at www.blood.co.uk, by calling 0300 123 23 23 or downloading the NHS Give Blood app.

Blood stock levels around the country have fallen, due to higher cancellations due to illness and the annual drop in donation over summer, when people are busy with holidays and events.

Donors with O positive are particularly needed.

Donors of all other types are welcome, especially O and B negative.

Hospitals are continuing to receive all the blood they need but more donations are urgently needed to ensure stocks do not fall further.