SPRING into action for Mother's Day and make a difference in East Cornwall this March.

As Mother's Day approaches (March 15), NHS Blood and Transplant is asking residents of East Cornwall to think about mothers and children whose lives have been saved by blood donations.

While many people think that blood is used mainly for accident and emergency procedures, donated blood is vital for a wide variety of life-saving procedures. A blood transfusion can help to save the life of a new mother or be used during pregnancy to help treat both mother and baby. Premature babies may need a blood transfusion as well, as they may not make enough new red cells to replace the blood that is take for essential testing.

Every blood donation is vital, but NHS Blood and Transplant particularly needs to ensure supplies of the universal blood group O Rh Negative, which is often in short supply as demand is so great. Supplies of the rarer blood groups A Rh Negative, B Rh Negative and AB Rh Negative as these are also vulnerable to shortfall.

In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood. If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.

Blood donation sessions will take place in Callington Town Hall on March 5 and 23, with sessions at 1.15pm, 3.15pm, 4.45pm and 7.15pm on both days.

To book an appointment to donate visit http://www.blood.co.uk">www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 1232323.