HELP save a life and donate blood in West Devon this month.

With Easter approaching, NHS Blood and Transplant is reminding West Devon residents to make a date to donate and help save lives.

Many people choose to spend the Easter break with friends and family. NHS Blood and Transplant is asking people to also think about those less fortunate than themselves and give blood at a time when it is traditional to give chocolates and gifts.

While many people think that blood is used mainly in accident and emergency situations, donated blood is vital for a wide variety of life-saving procedures. Blood transfusions can help to treat people with cancer, various types of anaemia and other long term illnesses as well as maternity care.

Karen Healy, senior marketing co-ordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: 'During the Easter period we normally give gifts and chocolate to loved ones. By giving blood you could be helping to save lives. Blood donations are always needed but it is particularly important to give around Easter as blood stocks are often more vulnerable around public holidays.

'This is due to people going away or spending more time outdoors with family and friends as the weather improves.

'We would like to thank all our blood donors for helping us to keep blood stocks at a healthy level in the past few months. We really appreciate their dedication to blood donation. However, as the need for blood never stops and hospitals in England and North Wales need more than 6,000 blood donations every day, I urge both new and returning donors to make a date to donate.

'Giving blood doesn't take too long. It should take less than an hour from arriving at your appointment time to completing your donation. So make the time to give blood — you never know whose life you could save.'

Donation sessions are being held on April 6 at the War Memorial Hall in Meavy Lane, Yelverton at 9.15am, 11.45am, 1.15pm and 3.15pm and at Tavistock Methodist Church on April 28 at 1.15pm, 3.15pm, 4.45pm and 7.15pm.

To book an appointment to donate, visit http://www.blood.co.uk">www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 2323.