Mindful of the celebrations of the Christmas-New Year break the Brentwood based Blood Donor Service is renewing its campaign for more donors.

It has reminded the community that the festive season's downside is an increase in road accidents and emergency treatments following party over-indulgence.

The campaign, designed to recruit new and lapsed donors, is led by the cartoon character Billy Blooddrop.

It makes the point that while traditional donors may decide to take time off for the holidays, there still remains a need to keep blood stocks healthy.

In England and Wales 10,000 units of blood are needed for life saving operations and treatment of leukaemia and other cancer related illnesses.

Donors, new and lapsed, are being asked to note these registration dates and locations.

BILLERICAY: Canon Roche Social Centre at 21 Laindon Road, Billericay from 2 to 4.30pm and 5 to 7.45pm on Friday, December 22.

BRENTWOOD: The Prep. School, Middleton Hall Lane, Brentwood from 2 to 4.30pm and from 5 to 7.45pm on Thursday, December 21 and from 2 to 4.30pm and from 5 to 7.45pm on Friday, January 5 .

At the Key's Hall, Eagle Way, Warley from 2 to 4.30pm and 5 to 7.45pm on Friday, December 29.

Donors are also advised that appointments can be made direct with the Brentwood Donor Centre in Crescent Drive, Brentwood by phoning 01277 306133.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.