Blood donors in Coventry and Warwickshire are being urged to make every effort to attend donor sessions because stocks are running low.

With the holiday season approaching, organisers are concerned that it will be hard to meet the demand for blood.

The number of people attending their regular sessions has dropped considerably, prompting fears of a shortage.

Carlene Dias, PR manager for the Midlands and South West region of the National Blood Service, said:

“We know from hospital requests that demand for blood is higher than forecast – which is good news for patients.

“However, this places an even bigger strain on blood stocks. Attendance is down across the country. Whether people are staying at home to watch Euro 2000 or taking earlier holidays we simply do not know.

“The message is simple – please make every effort to attend your local session.”

Donors who know they are going to miss their next local session should ring the National Donor Helpline on 08457 711711 to arrange a more suitable date and time.