With the festive season behind us, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is urging people across the Bradford district to make giving blood their new year resolution.

NHS Blood and Transplant is reminding people that their continued support during the cold winter months is vital.

By coming forward in January blood donors can ensure sufficient blood is available for patients.

NHSBT spokesman Darren Bowen said: “It’s only through the generosity and support of volunteer blood donors that we can provide blood to local hospitals. Many patients rely on this generous and kind act, we’re asking both new and regular donors to continue their good deed.”

Each donation is broken into component parts, but two have short shelf-lives. Platelets, which promote blood clotting and are used to help treat leukaemia and cancer patients, last for just five days.

Red cells last a little 35 days and are often transfused to patients suffering from anaemia or blood loss.

To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk. The NBS collects two million units of blood each year from 1.4 million blood donors and needs 7,000 voluntary donations daily.

Blood donor sessions include: Healds Hall Hotel, Leeds Road, Liversedge, on Monday, January 3, from 10.30am to 1.30pm; The Salvation Army Hall, High Street, Keighley, on Friday, January 7, from 1.45pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm; Rockwell Community Centre, Summerfield Road, Greengates, on Monday, January 10, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and 5pm to 7.30pm; Shelf Village Hall, Halifax Road, Shelf, on Tuesday, January 11, from 2.30pm to 4pm; St John the Divine Church Hall, St John Street, Brighouse, on Friday, January 14, from 2pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7.30pm; Bingley Arts Centre, Main Street, Bingley on Thursday, January 27, from 2pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7.30pm; Blood Donor Centre in Rawson Road, Bradford, is open at various times.