FIREFIGHTERS are looking for volunteers to help make a bone marrow donor session and charity event a great success today.

A team of eight people from Cleveland Fire Brigade is hoping to raise cash and donors for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Appeal.

The team has arranged for a surgery today, from 1pm to 4pm, at Stockton Riverside College, where people can have blood taken to see if they are a match to someone in need of a bone marrow transplant.

To be able to register as a bone marrow donor, people must be aged between 18 and 40, be in good general health, weigh more than eight stone and be willing to help save the life of any patient they may match.

The team already has people at hand to take the blood, but would be welcome.

The surgery is being undertaken as part of a 12-week Prince's Trust course aimed at 16 to 25-year-olds.

A team of eight people from the brigade had to do a team challenge and they chose to help the Anthony Nolan Trust, which helps leukaemia sufferers find suitable donors and also undertakes vital research.

Karen Duncan, the brigade's Prince's Trust team leader, said: "This is the third team that we have had and they have been fantastic in organising these events and putting themselves forward for the leg waxing in particular.

"All the funds raised will go towards a fantastic cause. The Anthony Nolan Trust is reaching out for donors and hopefully lots of people will attend the surgery.

"Do something worthwhile and give the gift of life."

To volunteer as a blood donor or phlebotomist, call Karen Duncan on (01642) 497107 or call at the surgery.