An urgent appeal has gone out to fill blood donor sessions in Somerset.
NHS Blood and Transplant wants to attract more people to give blood at various sessions next week including the one at St James Church in St James Street, Taunton, on Tuesday.
One million more blood donors are needed over the next five years to ensure patients receive the right type of blood to save and improve their lives, with a particular need for Black African, Black Caribbean and younger donors.
You can make an appointment at www.blood.co.uk, by calling 0300 123 23 23 or downloading the NHS Give Blood app.
Blood stock levels around the country have fallen, due to higher cancellations due to illness and the annual drop in donation over summer, when people are busy with holidays and events.
Donors with O positive are particularly needed. Donors of all other types are welcome, particularly O and B negative.
Hospitals are continuing to receive all the blood they need but more donations are urgently needed to ensure stocks do not fall further.