The recent bad weather that has swept across the UK has hit the NHS’s blood stock hard.

Blood donations, particularly O Rh negative and B Rh negative, are in demand from hospitals.

Jon Latham, assistant director at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "We need those donors who are able to reach their local sessions to continue to do so.

"If you have an appointment please try to keep it and if, for some reason, you cannot attend please rebook your appointment as soon as possible.

"We would like to say thank you, to all those donors who have been able to attend sessions and give blood during this bad weather."

Anyone who is interested in giving blood should call the donor helpline on 0300 123 2323 or visit www.blood.co.uk.