BLOOD donors in the Malvern area 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 life-saving 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 Malvern Rugby Club, Spring Lane, on Tuesday, December 8, Wednesday, December 16, and Thursday, December 24.

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.