THE National Blood Service (NBS) has thanked The Comet and its readers for responding in force to its pre-Christmas blood appeal. It had asked The Comet to advertise a blood donor session at Camps Hill School in Chells Way, Stevenage, on December 28 and i

THE National Blood Service (NBS) has thanked The Comet and its readers for responding in force to its pre-Christmas blood appeal.

It had asked The Comet to advertise a blood donor session at Camps Hill School in Chells Way, Stevenage, on December 28 and in total 145 people turned up on the day, five of which were first-time donors.

Rebecca Kahn, the communications officers for the NBS, said: "Many regular and new blood donors responded to our appeal and we would like to thank everyone who came forward to help us ensure that blood stocks remained healthy over the festive period."

She added "We are pleased at the response to our Christmas appeal but we still need people to come forward and give blood.

"Blood products only have a limited shelf life and we need blood donors to come forward regularly to ensure stocks remain healthy."

If you are interested in giving blood, and are aged between 17 and 59, weigh over 7st 12lbs, and are in good general health, the next local session is on Monday, January 29 in the main hall at Hitchin Town Hall in Brand Street between 9.30am and 12.30pm, and again between 2pm and 4.30pm.