BLOOD donors in north and west Wiltshire have been praised for keeping stocks healthy over Christmas.

The National Blood Service has picked out residents in Calne for praise after 155 people turned up including 11 new donors.

Many blood donor sessions were above the average for the festive season when bloodstocks are usually 10 per cent lower than the rest of the year.

Rachel Yandell, communications officer at the National Blood Service, said: "We were expecting Christmas and new year to be particularly difficult.

"But the people of west and north Wiltshire have risen to the challenge yet again and blood stocks have remained healthy.

"Many blood donation sessions had higher than usual attendance figures and we can't thank people enough for their generosity."

Anyone interested in becoming a blood donor can call the hotline on 08457 711 711.