NEW rules will mean more people will be able to give blood in Wales.

Currently men who have sex with other men, as well as anyone who has had sex with a partner considered at high risk of infections, such as those who share needles, and anyone who has had sex with a partner who has been sexually active in areas where HIV is common are banned from giving blood until 12 months has passed since they last did so.

But under the new rules, which have been developed following scientific advances and improved understanding of the tests used, this will be reduced to three months in Wales in 2018.

And sex workers, who are currently banned from giving blood, will be able to do so from three months since they last engaged in sexual activity for money.

The change was recommended following a review by the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs.

Public health minister Rebecca Evans said: "I want to ensure that as many people as possible are able to donate blood to meet the demand from patients in Wales.

"In Wales and the UK, we’re fortunate to have one of the safest blood supplies in the world.

"Thanks to advances in medical science, we now have a far better understanding of the way infections are transmitted through blood.

"The changes I’m announcing today will help ensure we keep blood donors and the patients who receive their blood safe, while also ensuring more people have the opportunity to donate blood."

Donors with blood types B negative, AB negative and O negative are particularly needed in Wales.

For information on giving blood visit welsh-blood.org.uk