BLOOD donors are being urgently rallied to boost stocks over coming weeks to ensure the life-saving supplies do not run low over bank holidays.

NHS Blood and Transplant said it was in urgent need of O negative and B negative donors at Oxford Donor Centre.

Donations tend to drop during bank holidays as people go away or are busy with families and the centre is worried supplies could drop below the required amount this month.

A plea from NHS Blood and Transplant yesterday warned if it did not collect enough blood donations in the coming fortnight, stocks were likely to fall below two days' worth.

A statement said: “Existing O negative and B negative donors are being prioritised and they can walk in and donate at our fixed site donor centre at John Radcliffe Hospital.”

There are currently 125 appointments available at the Oxford Donor Centre over the next seven days.

The statement added: “We are also asking people with appointments to keep them, especially O negative and B negative donors.

“If you can’t keep your appointment do let us know as soon as possible so we don’t lose out on collecting lifesaving blood donations.”

The Oxford Blood Donor Centre is based at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington or other fixed donor sites can be found online at blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/about-our-donation-venues

For details of the Oxford Donor Centre including opening hours or to book an appointment contact 0300 123 23 23