BLOOD donors are being asked to keep giving this Easter after a worrying drop in stocks.

The National Blood Service has put out a plea to local residents to mark the weekend of Easter celebrations by helping save lives with the gift of their blood.

The service has reported a "dramatic drop" in donor attendance to its regular sessions ahead of the bank holiday weekend, and is now urging more people to come forward to help bolster supplies.

Because whole blood only lasts for 35 days and platelets - used for cancer or burns patients - only lasts for five, the service has said it is "vital" that enough blood is collected over Easter.

Vicki Hutchinson, North Yorkshire spokeswoman for the National Blood Service, said: "Hospitals need blood to help so many different people, for example: cancer patients, accident victims, patients living with blood disorders and women who incur childbirth complications.

"We particularly need donors before and during the Easter bank holiday weekend as we tend to and have already seen see a drop in our blood stocks.

"We understand our regular donors are busy enjoying the break and so would like to encourage new donors especially to help boost stocks.

"Only 20 per cent of new donors ever go on to give more than five donations, yet just one donation can go on to help three people.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to urge everyone in our region if they can to please donate, as your donation could help a seriously ill patient spend Easter at home with their family."

Hospitals across Yorkshire need more than 600 units of blood every day to help treat patients who urgently need blood to survive.

Each donation of blood is divided into three parts which can help three separate patients. Red cells are used for anaemia; platelets for cancer patients having chemotherapy, and plasma for burns victims.

Facts about giving blood:

*Regular donors can keep on giving until the age of 70*There are four main blood groups, of which group O is the most common and therefore the most in demand*The National Blood Service is part of NHS Blood And Transplant - a special health authority which is responsible for making the most of the supply of blood, organs, plasma and tissues, as well as making blood and transplant services more effective

Where you can give blood this Easter:

*Parish Church, Front Street, Acomb. Monday, 10am to 1pm.

*Merchant Taylors Hall, Aldwark, York. Wednesday, 2pm to 7.30pm.

*The Recreation Centre, Barons Crescent, Copmanthorpe. Tuesday, 2pm to 4pm, and 5pm to 7.30pm.

*The Recreation Centre, Wigginton. Monday, 10am to 1pm.

To be a blood donor you need to be aged between 17 and 60 years old, weigh more than seven stone 12 lbs, and be in good health.

For details, phone the national helpline on 0845 7 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk