BLOOD donors in Blackburn are drying up at such an alarming rate that figures have reached a critical low.

While there has been a steady flow of donors in Darwen and Hyndburn, registered donors in Blackburn are down by 1,000.

Now the Blood Transfusion Service is calling on fresh donors to come forward to stop figures falling.

In Darwen there are 1,500 registered donors and at five per cent of the population is about the national average. It is the same in Hyndburn where they have 2,300 on their books.

But while there are 3,500 donors in Blackburn, figures are down by one per cent.

Alf Hattersley, senior donor organiser of the BTS based in Lancaster said: "I don't know why these figures are down but we are urging new donors to come forward before supplies drop even further."

It is blood Group O, which is the most common type, which is needed most.

Mr Hattersley added: "We have sent out reminders to our registered donors telling them of the urgent need for blood."

Anyone who wishes to become a donor can write to National Blood Service, Lancaster Centre, FREEPOST, Lancaster, LA1 1BR or phone 01524 63456 and reverse the charges.

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