PEOPLE in Swindon are urged to help save lives and give blood.

The National Blood Service has arranged sessions on May 16 and 17 at Swindon Town FC's County Ground stadium.

People are asked to visit between 1.15pm and 4pm or between 5pm and 7.45pm.

Swindon already has 18,500 registered blood donors, but the NBS are always looking to increase numbers.

Earlier this year we told the story of youngster Jodie Kendall.

The six-year-old, from Freshbrook, suffers from leukaemia and even a minor cold could mean a trip to Great Western Hospital for an urgent blood transfusion.

Dad, Lee, said: "It's just so important for people to stop and think how their donation could help save lives.

"We are a typical example of a family that never did until we had the need for donated blood."

For information call 0845 77 11 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk