A LIFESAVING service has issued its own SOS.

More blood donors are being sought across Ilkley.

NHS Blood and Transplant made the plea to coincide with National Blood Week.

The organisation said that last year 31,235 people gave blood throughout West Yorkshire.

But it added that new donors were crucial to ensure the right mix of blood groups to meet patient needs was maintained.

There is a particular requirement for more young people and donors from different ethnic groups.

Spokesman Mike Stredder said: "Every day, blood donors from West Yorkshire make a difference – saving people whose lives depend on blood.

"Thanks to the generosity of our loyal network of regular donors, we can ensure that hospitals have the blood needed to treat patients and – as recent weeks have sadly proven – make certain our stocks are strong enough to respond to major incidents and emergencies.

"At the same time, 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."

For more details, visit blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.