BLOOD donors in the North-East are urged to maintain their appointments during the excitement of the World Cup.

The National Blood Service fears stocks will run low if regulars fail to give donations, side-tracked by the thrills and spills as the tournament progresses in the Far East.

Service spokeswoman Penny Richardson said: "The demand for blood never stops. Every day, hospitals in the North-East need 1,100 donations of blood for life saving operations and other treatment.

"Every drop counts. Blood donors really do save lives."

Regular donors are asked to do everything they can to keep their appointments over coming weeks, or to seek alternative sessions if they are unable to attend.

Donors can watch England's World Cup quarter final tie with Brazil this morning and still give blood, at a special session is being held at Houghton Sports Centre, in Station Road, Houghton-le-Spring, on Wearside, from 2.30pm to 7pm.

Anyone wishing to give blood must be aged between 16 and 60, or 17 and 70 for regular donors. They need to be in general good health and weigh more than 50kg, just under 8 stones, or 110 pounds.