PEOPLE like Mark Potton are in demand. Not only is he a blood donor, he is still a teenager.

Swindon, like much of the country, is suffering a shortage of young donors. Fewer than four per cent are under the age of 20.

Now the National Blood Service is writing to 17-year-olds across England and Wales to encourage them to join Mark in rolling up their sleeves to replace older donors who are no longer able to give blood.

Eighteen-year-old Mark, from Liden, started to donate because his great aunt needed regular transfusions and he wanted to help other people.

The account handler, who gave his sixth pint on Tuesday at Swindon's County Ground, said he was usually the youngest donor in the room.

"If more people knew about it there would be more of a response," he said.

Mark, who intends to donate until he gets too old, said giving blood was painless and only took 20 minutes.

Louise Coxon, a spokeswoman for the National Blood Service, said: "We are encouraging young people to think seriously about becoming lifelong blood donors."

The next donor session in Swindon is on Monday, April 12 at the County Ground, from 9.15am to 12.25pm and 2.30pm to 4.30pm. For more information call the National Blood Service Helpline on 08457 711711.

Andy Tate