PANTO stars took time out from their busy schedule to help the National Blood Service (NBS) encourage people to give blood during the festive season. Christmas is a challenging time for the NBS as blood stocks usually fall by about 10 per cent. Stefan Boo

PANTO stars took time out from their busy schedule to help the National Blood Service (NBS) encourage people to give blood during the festive season.

Christmas is a challenging time for the NBS as blood stocks usually fall by about 10 per cent.

Stefan Booth from ITV's The Bill, and Sheila Ferguson - lead singer of The Three Degrees - were just two of the stars from this year's panto at The Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage - Dick Whittington - to show their support.

Rebecca Khan, spokesman for the NBS in Stevenage, said: "Fewer people come to donate in December but the need for blood is constant and we need people to come forward and give blood this month to keep blood stocks healthy.

"Unfortunately we cannot stockpile blood to use during the Christmas period as blood products only have a limited shelf life.

"Red cells only last for 35 days and platelets, which are used to treat cancer and leukaemia patients, last for just five days.

"Hospitals in Hertfordshire will use around 3,000 units of blood this month.

"We realise people will have other things on their mind this month but we are urging people to give up an hour of their time to give blood at a local blood donor session.

"Christmas is about giving so please think of those in hospital this month that will need blood and blood products.

"By giving blood you could be giving someone the gift of life."

To be a blood donor you must be aged between 17 and 59, weigh more than 7st 12lbs and be in good general health.

The NBS will be visiting Camps Hill School (main hall), in Chells Way, Stevenage, on December 28 from 12.45pm to 3.30pm and 5pm to 7.15pm.