1pm to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 7pm.

With Christmas just around the corner the National Blood Service (NBS) – part of NHS Blood and Transplant - is asking people to spare an hour of their time to help save a life, by donating blood this month.

Christmas can be a busy time, with all the preparations and anticipation for the festive period, giving blood can blood can fall down the ‘to do’ list. And with Christmas falling on a Friday there will be a reduction in the number blood donor sessions taking place over the two week Christmas period; six full days and two half days instead of the usual 10 full days.

Fay Simcox, spokesperson for NHSBT said: “Blood stocks are used up in a matter of days so the NBS counts on people continuing to step forward to donate blood.”

“Certain blood products have a shorter shelf life than others. Platelets, a clotting factor used to help treat leukaemia and cancer patients, last for just five days. Red cells last a little bit longer at 35 days and are often transfused to patients suffering from severe anaemia or severe blood loss.”

“Therefore it’s vital that both regular and new donors come forward to give blood and ensure sufficient blood is available for patients.”

Anyone aged between 17-65, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor. There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years. To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk