PEOPLE in the Okehampton area are being urged to give blood as soon as possible as part of National Blood Week.

To help halt a decline in regular blood donors, NHS Blood and Transplant is appealing for people to register to donate during this year's National Blood Week, running until Sunday.

Over the last decade the number of regular donors has fallen by almost a quarter. The decline has been highest among people in their 30s, with a 48%drop. Lack of time is a barrier to donation for 9% of people, and for 11% of people, not knowing what is involved has stopped them from donating.

Throughout National Blood Week information will be shared on NHS Blood and Transplant's Facebook page and on Twitter about how and where to donate and to answer any questions. Regional recruitment events will also be driving awareness and enabling people to sign up.

Jon Latham, assistant director of marketing at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: 'For this year's National Blood Week, we're asking people to come back and give blood. We need a steady supply of blood, which has a short shelf life, to help save and improve patient lives. To achieve this we need a large group of regular donors, so we hope David Bowie isn't the only one making a welcome return this summer.'

There are four locations in the Okehampton area where donors can give blood. The next blood session is at the Charter Hall in Okehampton on Thursday, June 27. The hall will host further sessions on Wednesday, July 24 and Thursday, October 17.

Hatherleigh Community Centre will next host a session on Thursday, July 25 with a further session on Tuesday, November 26. Chagford's Jubilee Hall will host blood donation sessions on Tuesday, August 13 and Wednesday, November 27. North Tawton Primary School has a session planned for Friday, November 1.

Anyone aged between 17 and 65, weighing more than 7st 12lbs and in general good health can become a blood donor. There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in last two years. For more information or to book an appointment visit http://www.blood.co.uk">www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.