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

As Mother's Day approaches, NHS Blood and Transplant is asking residents of Tavistock and the surrounding area 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 taken for essential testing.

Karen Healy, senior marketing co-ordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: 'During March we are encouraging people to think about other mothers and families in addition to their own.

'One blood donation can help up to three adults or six babies, so donors really can make a huge difference each time they attend a session.

'Our dedicated blood donors have helped us to keep stocks at a healthy level over the winter months and we would like to thank them for this. However, the need for blood never stops and more than 6,000 blood donations are needed by hospitals in England and North Wales every day. I would encourage both new and returning donors to make a date to roll up their sleeve and 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.'

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 are also needed 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 Tavistock Methodist Church in Chapel Street on March 17 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 1232323.

It is also easy to book through mobile apps for Windows, Android and Apple devices. To download the app, search 'NHSGiveBlood' in the app store.