Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have sent an important message to film fans in Bradford. 

Ahead of Marvel Studios’ long-awaited release of Deadpool & Wolverine, the actors have teamed up with the NHS. 

The action-packed film has been brought to life through secrets of the cinema like fake blood.

But Ryan and Hugh are now urging people to become heroes by donating the real thing.

In the video Hugh explains that it takes only one hour to save three lives before he and Ryan exchange humorous banter often seen in Deadpool. 

Watch here

The NHS Blood and Transplant service needs to collect 1.45 million units of blood each year to meet the needs of patients across England.

There are four main blood groups – O, A, B and AB - with O negative (the universal blood group) and B negative being particularly vulnerable to shortfalls. 

Blood banks are always in need of blood from donors of black heritage as these people are more likely to have the blood type needed to treat sickle cell disease, a rare blood disorder.

 Bradford's permanent donor centre is a 10-minute walk from Bradford Interchange and has almost 300 appointments available each week. 

People can register or book an appointment via the GiveBloodNHS app or at www.blood.co.uk

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Blood donors are real-life superheroes, and we’re so grateful to everyone who can step forward."