A TEENAGE car crash victim who needed 28 pints of blood to save his life has appealed for more donors in East Lancashire.

Luke Craig suffered a tear to his heart, six broken ribs and punctured lungs in January when he was thrown from his father's VW Golf in the accident on Mount Lane, Cliviger.

He spent two weeks in hospital and, at one point, his mum Julie was told he may only have 15 minutes to live.

Today Luke, 14, thanked existing blood donors for saving his life and appealed for more to come forward.

He said: "It's not something I'd ever thought about before but I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for those people.

"I want to thank those who have given blood and ask others to do so in the future.

"I would like to give blood myself now to help others but I can't because I've had the transfusions."

The Department of Health brought in new regulations this month that bans anyone who has had a blood transfusion since 1980 becoming a blood donor. The step is a further precautionary measure against the possible risk of CJD being transmitted.

Julie, 33, who gave up her job in a sandwich shop when Luke was injured, said: "It was terrifying, he had to have 28 units of blood but it was coming out as quick as they were putting it in.

"I had never given blood before myself but I certainly will now. This has brought it home to me how important it is."

Police continue to investigate the reason Luke's dad Neil Sheridan's car collided with a tree but hope to reach a conclusion soon.

Neil, 35, of Coal Clough Lane, suffered a broken leg and still walks with crutches.

Luke, who lives in Griffin Close, Burnley, with his mum, step-dad Gary Williams, 38, and siblings Poppy, 10, and Alfie, six, has recently returned to Towneley High School on a part-time basis but still suffers chest pains and has trouble sleeping.

The National Blood Service (NBS) is appealing for new blood donors in the North West. A spokesman said: "Having a blood transfusion when it is really needed can be life-saving, so we would like to encourage everyone to consider coming forward to give blood.

"In the North West alone we need to collect around 1,500 donations a day to meet the needs of hospitals, and the donations really do save the lives of patients like Luke."

Anyone who would like to find out more about donating blood should call 08457 711711.

Donor sessions will be held from 2pm to 4pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Central Methodist Church hall , in King Street, Great Harwood, on Tuesday; The Saturn Suite, in the Globe Centre, St James Square, Accrington on April 23, and Municipal Hall, in Albert Road, Colne on May 4.