PARTS of East Lancashire are not getting enough blood from donor sessions in the area, according to the National Blood Service.

Over the last two years monthly donation sessions in Blackburn have suffered from a drop in the number of people attending.

Now the Blood Service are calling on local people to volunteer to replenish this vital supply.

Levels in the rest of East Lancashire are good, but officials have still appealed for more donors.

Emma Heesom, a spokesman for the service, said: "Blackburn in general is a bit short. There is a need for new donors. Every day we need to collect over 1,000 donations daily in the north west alone to ensure we meet the needs of patients.

"We run three different groups of donors in Blackburn and it is one particular group that is short. In 1998 there were 130 people at the sessions, and now there are around 100. "In the immediate few weeks after September 11 we saw an increase in the number of new and lapsed donors, but this has tailed off. Obviously, we're not in a terrorist situation over here, but we would like to be comfortably off for all eventualities."

According to Emma, the rest of East Lancashire has a good blood supply.

She said: "East Lancashire is generally good, but there is always a demand. Blackburn could be falling short because the donors have moved, or become too old. There are a number of reasons."

According to Emma, in the run-up to Christmas blood supplies always become low, but before volunteering, donors should contact the Blood Service.

She said: "We would rather people called and registered. That way we can invite them to sessions where we need blood the most.

"What people may be unaware of is many patients with leukaemia or a cancer-related illness need regular blood and platelet transfusions. Platelets can be derived only from blood and have a shelf life of only five days, therefore it is vital we constantly replenish platelet stocks." The next donation session in Blackburn is on Tuesday, October 30, from 2pm to 4pm, or 5.30pm to 7.30pm, at the Public Halls, King George's Hall, Northgate, Blackburn.

Anyone in good general health and aged between 17 and 60 can donate blood. For more information call the national helpline on 08457 711711.