PEOPLE in Chester-le-Street are being urged to give the gift of life this Easter.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is holding a blood donor session in the town It will be at the Red Lion pub, Front Street, on Wednesday (april4) between 2.30 and 3.45pm and from 4.30 and 7pm.

Over 7000 units of blood are needed every day by hospitals treating patients undergoing treatments for a range of conditions.

NHSBT spokesman Darren Bowen said: "Blood is needed by patients 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

"Without the regular commitment of blood donors many lives would be lost and we are very grateful to our loyal and committed donors who save lives every time they donate.

"If you’ve not donated before please consider doing so this Easter and make donating blood your new tradition."

Anyone wanting to donate for the first time should be aged 17 to 65, weighing at least 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health.

People who have donated before can start again up to their 70th birthday and there is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

To find out more about blood sessions in April or to book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk