NHS Blood and Transplant is urging people in Norfolk to say #ImThere and start saving lives by registering as new blood donors during National Blood Week from June 19 to 25.

Over the last year, 900,000 people have given up their time to help patients in need. But 200,000 new blood donors are needed each year to ensure that patients in the future have access to the blood they need, when they need it.

Mike Stredder, Director of Blood Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, says: 'There is an ongoing need for more young donors to safeguard blood donation for future generations. And it is vital our blood donors, reflect the diversity of the population because blood types vary across communities.

'Those who rely on regular transfusions, need blood which is more closely matched than by group alone, and this will often come from donors of the same ethnicity.'

To sign up as a new donor or book an appointment, visit: www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.