The NHS has issued a call for blood donors after poor weather conditions led to a significant decline in blood stocks.

The health service estimates that it could take up to a month to get blood stock levels back to normal and is encouraging people to book and make a donation at one of their newly scheduled appointments in March.

These will include sessions in Norwich, Fakenham, Holt, North Walsham and Swaffham.

Mike Stredder, director of blood donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: 'The recent poor weather caused the cancellation of sessions in snow hit areas and meant we collected less blood than we needed, particularly Group A, Group O and B positive donations.

'Seriously ill patients need blood every day and they rely on the generosity of people making time to donate.'

Details of where sessions are taking place and bookings can be made via the NHS Blood and Transplant website.

Dates for sessions across Norfolk:

Norwich

Wednesday, March 14

Thursday, March 15

Wednesday, March 21

Friday, March 30

Fakenham

Friday, March 16

Holt

Wednesday, March 28

North Walsham

Thursday, March 29