THE National Blood Service is asking people in Swindon to give an extra present this Christmas - life. New and lapsed donors are needed to donate a life-saving unit of blood.

Spokeswoman Louise Coxon, said: "The run-up to the holiday season is traditionally a difficult time for the NBS, because giving blood falls low on the priority list after Christmas shopping and making Christmas and New Year plans."

"As well as people gearing up to enjoy the festivities, seasonal colds and flu can prevent many of our regular donors from making their local sessions."

But the demand for blood never stops.

Every day the NBS needs to collect up to 9,000 voluntary blood donations so that hospitals can carry out life-saving surgery and treatments.

The Great Western Hospital in Swindon alone uses around 8,000 units of blood every year.

As well as being used to help stabilise patients in casualty departments, blood is also used for neonatal and paediatric wards, heart and chest surgery departments and even long-term cancer and leukaemia patients.

For further information about blood donation please call the National Blood Service helpline on 08457 711711 or log onto www.blood.co.uk .

Local sessions held this week are:-

Today - The Memorial Hall, Tanners Close, Wootton Bassett, 1.15pm to 3.25pm and 4.30pm to 7.15pm.

Tuesday - Swindon Town Football Club, The County Ground, County Road, Swindon, 1.15pm to 3.55pm and 5pm to 7.45pm.

Wednesday - The Town Hall, Cricklade, 1.15pm to 3.55pm and 5pm to 7.15pm.

Friday - Memorial Hall, Oak Street, Lechlade, 1.15pm to 3.25pm and 4.30pm to 7pm.