CINDERELLA is on the ball she is backing a campaign for people to donate blood this Christmas.

Grange Hill star Emma Willis, who plays Cinders at the Wyvern Theatre panto, joined fellow cast members to support the National Blood Service's appeal yesterday.

The actors were joined by Billy Blood Drop, the NBS's mascot, who was a special guest on Cinderella's magical flying coach.

The NBS requires 10,000 units of blood a day to keep national stocks at a sustainable level.

Currently only six per cent of the eligible population give blood, which amounts to two million people a year.

Over Christmas and New Year stocks decrease by around ten per cent as festivities mount and the cold and flu season takes hold.

Jude Pamington, NBS communications officer, said: "Giving blood really can be the greatest gift at Christmas. It doesn't matter how people reach us, every blood donation they give is a gift that someone else will remember forever."

Anyone interested in giving blood can call the NBS information line on 0845 7711711 or log on to www.blood.co.uk

The following blood donor sessions being held in and around Swindon:

Friday, January 4 Stratton Youth Centre, Hyde Road, Upper Stratton, 1.15pm to 3.25pm and 4.30pm to 7.30pm

Thursday, January 10 - Town Hall, Cricklade, 10.30am to 12.45pm and 2.45pm to 6.10pm

Friday, January 11- St Lukes Church Hall, Broad Street, 9.45am 12.55pm and 2.45pm to 5.25pm