PEOPLE are being urged to donate blood ahead of August bank holiday weekend.

With people’s social lives often busier at this time of year, the NHS says fewer bookings are made to donate while others forget about their appointment.

At Manchester’s Plymouth Grove Donor Centre, only 40 per cent of bookings are full for next week, while only 70 per cent are full at Manchester Norfolk House.

Jon Latham, assistant director of donor relationship services at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We are incredibly grateful to all our loyal donors who take time out of their busy schedules at this time of year, to help save and improve lives. If you have an appointment booked but can no longer make it, please remember to cancel so we can reallocate the slot to someone else.”