BLOOD donors in East Lancashire could help the NHS with a 25,000 donation target by the end of June.

The plea has been issued by the National Blood Service as it announced a new set of dates when blood donor medics will be touring the area.

While an estimated five per of the population regularly give blood, 15 per cent of that total is lost every year due to ill health or retirement.

People aged between 17 and 60 and weighing more than 7Ib12 lbs and in good health are usually eligible.

Donors can attend sessions at St Mary's Chambers, in Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, on June 1, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm, and the Town Hall, in Burnley Road, Padiham, at the same times, on June 8.

The Community Link, in Bury Road, Haslingden, hosts a session on June 15, at the same times, and another is booked in at The Municipal Hall, Colne, on June 19.

Nurses move to Burnley FC's ground on June 21, for afternoon and evening sessions, the Globe Centre, off Scaitcliffe Street, Accrington, the following day, and the Community Hall, in Railway Street, Nelson, on June 23.

Find out if you qualify as a donor, or book an appointment, by calling 08457 711 711 or log onto www.blood.co.uk