BLOOD donors in Gwent - and those considering giving blood - are being urged to go along to a donation session in their area to help ease a stock crisis.

The Welsh Blood Service is reporting that it urgently needs help to boost stocks as it has less than one week’s supply of all eight blood groups.

Four of those groups - A positive, B positive, B negative, and AB negative - are on red alert, with three days or less supply left.

Meanwhile O negative, the most common blood group, and one that can be used in any patient, is down to four days’ supply.

Upcoming sessions in Gwent will take place on:

● Friday July 19, Tesco at Risca, 10.45am-1.45pm and 3.15pm-6.30pm;
● Monday July 22, Pontypool Active Living Centre, Trosnant Street, 1pm-5.30pm;
● Wednesday and Thursday July 24 and 25, Newbridge comprehensive school, 2pm-6.30pm (Wednesday), 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-4.20pm (Thursday);
● Thursday August 1, Eveswell primary school, Newport, 1pm- 5.30pm;
● Thursday August 1, Abertillery Youth Centre, Station Hill, 1pm-5.30pm;
● Friday August 2, Newport Centre, 12.30pm-4.20pm;
● Blaina Community Centre, 1pm-5.30pm.

For more information, telephone 0800 252266, or visit www.welsh-blood.org.uk