BLOOD donors can change people's lives and NHS Blood and Transplant are asking Herefordshire residents to spare an hour as part of their New Year's resolutions.

Last year 2,627 people across the county registered to give blood for the first time.

NHS Blood and Transplant needs around 200,000 new donors every year to maintain the supply for life-saving blood donations.

Donors are needed from all blood groups and communities but there is a particular need for more people from black and Asian communities to donate to help provide the right mix of blood.

“This year we are asking people in Herefordshire to focus on giving and to register to give blood," said Mike Stredder, director of blood donation at NHS Blood and Transplant.

"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.”

You can register to become a blood donor by visiting: www.blood.co.uk or download the app by searching ‘NHSGiveBlood’ in the app store. You can also call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk.