CREWE residents are being sought to fix a shortfall in the amount of young people across Cheshire who donate blood.

The percentage of 17-24 year-old blood donors in the county is lower than the national average and more younger donors are needed to meet future demand.

Jon Latham from NHS blood and transplant, said: “Our blood donors make up the greatest team in the world and we're grateful to each and every one of them including new donors registering this year.

“We’re issuing a call up for more to come forward because we know blood donation falls off the to-do list during hot weather and summer holidays, and big public events like the World Cup.

“We want potential donors to know they can do something amazing for their country just as the England team will hopefully do in Brazil.

“Make a date to donate and please keep your appointment to help us maintain and ensure stock levels for the coming months and for the future.”

In Cheshire there are 3,081 donors aged 17-24. This is 13 per cent of those who currently donate blood in the county.

Across England and north Wales, 17-24 year olds currently account for 14 per cent of donors.

Each year 200,000 new donors are required to attend a donation session to replace those who can no longer donate for health or other reasons.

In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 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.

For more information or to register and book an appointment to donate, visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 2323.