HEALTHY donors are being urged to come forward and join the thousands of people who gave blood in North Yorkshire throughout 2017.

Last year saw 1,484 people in the county register to give blood for the first time, but donations are still needed and from all blood groups and communities.

NHS Blood and Transplant is encouraging people to change someone else’s life, and is urging more people from black and Asian communities to get involved to help provide the right range of blood types.

Mike Stredder, director of blood donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “It’s New Year and like many of us, you may be thinking about the year ahead and some changes you’d like to make to your life.

“Perhaps you want to cut down on drinking, eat more healthily or are considering joining a gym.

“This year we are asking people in North Yorkshire to focus on giving and to register to give blood.

“It’s easy to sign up and book your first appointment online or via our mobile phone app.

“By donating blood you will save or improve the lives of up to three people.

"Do something amazing in 2018. Give blood.”

As long as you are fit and healthy, weigh more than seven stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood.

If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.

Existing blood donors can also consider becoming a platelet donor.

NHS Blood and Transplant particularly needs donors with the A negative blood group as they can help any patient, regardless of blood type.

One platelet donation can help up to three adults or 12 babies or children.

For more information, go to blood.co.uk or phone the Donor Line on 0300 122323.