BLOOD donors are needed to show some Christmas spirit and keep stocks up over the busy winter period in Worcestershire.

NHS Blood and Transplant is urging blood donors in the county to make and keep appointments at a time when donations are expected to drop significantly.

Bad weather and busy schedules are expected to have an effect while colds and winter bugs will also temporarily rule many people out of being able to donate.

People can donate blood at various locations across the county, including Worcester Methodist Church Hall in Pump Street on December 1 between 1.15pm and 3.30pm and again between 4.20pm and 7.15pm on the same day.

Another session at the Methodist Church Hall takes place on December 15 at the same times as the previous session and a third donation opportunity is available on December 29 between 1pm and 3.30pm and between 4.30pm and 7pm.

Other venues are the Lyppard Grange Community Centre in Ankerage Green, Warndon Villages, Worcester, which will be taking blood on December 6 between 9am and 11.20am and between 12.45pm and 3.45pm the same day.

Further sessions are available in Malvern, Pershore and Evesham throughout December with details available through the NHS Blood and Transplant website.

Donations of vulnerable blood groups are expected to fall to their lowest point of the year over the festive period.

These include O negative blood and A negative platelets, which can be given to all patients. B negative blood stocks can also be vulnerable to shortfall. Only 2 per cent of donors have B negative blood.

Karen Healy, senior marketing coordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Each blood donation you make can save or improve the lives of up to three people and platelet donors can help three adults or 12 children each time they donate.”

Red blood cells only have a shelf life of 35 days, and platelets only have a shelf life of seven days. As the blood supply needs to be completely replenished every month and the platelet supply every week NHS Blood and Transplant wants people to continue donating over the holiday period.

Platelets are tiny cells in the blood which help to stem blood loss by enabling clotting and they are frequently used to help patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The donor line is 0300 123 23 23 or people can visit www.blood.co.uk Bookings can be made through mobile apps for Windows, Android and Apple devices.

To download the app search 'NHSGiveBlood' in the app store.