PEOPLE in west Wiltshire are being urged to give the most precious Christmas present they can by donating blood.

Westbury blood donor organiser Brenda Jones said there is a shortage of blood nationally and has asked people to consider giving.

Mrs Jones said: "There is such a shortage of blood and they are trying their hardest to get the stocks up ready for Christmas.

"Apart from the fact it is the holiday period, it is also the time when there are a lot of accidents. Only six per cent of the population donates and it is time that people really took a look at themselves and said 'yes, I can give too'.

"It is the most precious gift anyone could give for Christmas. It helps save lives."

The Westbury group has honoured three donors who have given blood 50 times: Terrance Foster, of Petticoat Lane, Dilton Marsh; Peter Earney, of Leigh Road, Westbury and Michael King, of Matravers Close, Westbury.

The next blood donor sessions in the town are at the Paragon Hall on Tuesday. For more information contact Brenda Jones on (01373) 822409.