AN appeal is going out to O rhesus negative (O-) and B rhesus negative (B-) blood donors in West Devon to come forward in the run up to Christmas.

Blood stocks traditionally dip as the festive season approaches, and with the probable onset of bad weather, NHS Blood and Transplant is working to boost stocks of these groups in December.

Jon Latham, a spokesperson for NHSBT, said: 'Blood donors from every blood group are needed every day. If more donors can spare the time to give blood in December this will give blood stocks a timely lift in the run up to Christmas and allow them to be maintained at a constant level as January approaches. We would like to reassure everyone that blood stocks are not low and patient care has not been affected in any way.'

Donors with blood group O Rh negative are known as the 'universal donor' as their blood can be given to patients with a different blood group. This can prove vital in an emergency situation when there may not be time for an immediate blood grouping test to be carried out — 7% of the population have this blood group.

To be potentially eligible to give blood you must be aged between 17 - 65, weigh over 7st 12lbs (50kg) and be in general good health. There is no upper age limit for blood donation if you have donated in the last two years.

To find out more about becoming a blood donor or to book an appointment please call the donor line on 0300 123 23 23 or log on to http://www.blood.co.uk">www.blood.co.uk