The NHS is calling on people to donate blood during the festive period, which it describes as a "challenging time for blood stocks".

The NHS Blood and Transplant team said hospitals in England and north Wales will need up to half a million units of blood to see them through now until the New Year.

A unit of blood has a shelf life of 35 days and managers are concerned the rush of Christmas shopping, parties and holidays could cause people to forget to donate.

John Canning, lead donor relations manager, said: for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “For thousands of patients across the country, this year’s must-have Christmas gift is blood and we’re asking you to help.

"Donating doesn’t cost a penny and saves lives, meaning many more children and adults can spend precious time with their families over Christmas."

Those with O Rh negative and B Rh negative blood types are especially in need, but donors are wanted from all blood groups.

Where and when to donate blood in your area:

  • Balham (Wandsworth)

Monday 30th December
12:30 – 15:00 & 16:00 – 18:30
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
149 Nightingale Lane,
Balham,
London.
SW12 8NG

Tuesday 10th December
14:00 – 16:30 &17:30 – 20:00
St.Paul’s Church Hall,
Warren Road,
Banstead,
Surrey.
SM7 1LG

  • Brixton (Lambeth)

Tuesday 3rd December
13:30 – 16:00 & 17:00 – 19:00
Lambeth Town Hall,
Acre Lane,
Brixton,
London.
SW2 1RW

Thursday 19th December
13:30 – 16:00 & 17:00 – 19:00
Lambeth Town Hall,
Acre Lane,
Brixton,
London.
SW2 1RW

  • Carshalton (Sutton)

Wedneday 11th December
14:00 – 16:30 & 17:30 – 20:00
Baptist Free Church Hall,
Banstead Road,
Carshalton Beeches,
Surrey.
SM5 3NL

  • Coulsdon (Croydon)

Wednesday 18th December
14:00 – 16:30 & 17:30 – 20:00
St. Aidans Parish Centre,
St. Aidans Catholic Church,
1 Portnalls Road,
Coulsdon,
Surrey.
CR5 3DD

  • Croydon

Friday 27th December
14:00 – 16:30 & 17:30 – 20:00
Fairfield Halls,
Arnhem Gallery,
Park Lane,
Croydon,
Surrey.
CR9 1DG

Thursday 21st November and Thursday 5th December, 13.30 – 16.00 / Tuesday 24th December 10.00 – 14.00
Bourne Hall
Spring Street
Ewell
Surrey
KT17 1UF

Wednesday 18th December
13:30 – 16:00 & 17:00 – 19:30
St. Mary – St. Nicholas Church,
Main Hall,
Church Road,
Leatherhead,
Surrey.
KT22 8AY

  • Morden (Merton)

Friday 6th November
14:00 – 16:30 & 17:30 – 20:00
Morden Assembly Hall,
Tudor Drive,
Morden,
Surrey.
SM4 4PJ

  • New Malden (Kingston upon Thames)

Thursday 12th December
14:00 – 16:30 & 17:30 – 20:00
St. James Church Hall,
Bodley Road,
New Malden,
Surrey.
KT3 5QE

  • Putney (Wandsworth)

Sunday 29th December
10:00 – 14:00
Putney Leisure Centre,
Dryburgh Hall,
Dryburgh Road,
Putney,
London.
SW15 1BL

  • Richmond

Monday 9th December
14:00 – 16:30 & 17:30 – 20:00
Richmond Atheletic Association,
Richmond Atheletic Ground,
Twickenham Road,
Richmond,
Surrey.
TW9 2SF

  • Selsdon (Croydon)

Monday 23rd December
11:00 – 13:30 & 15:00 – 17:30
St. John Community Hall,
Upper Selsdon Road,
Selsdon,
Surrey.
CR2 8DD

  • Streatham (Lambeth)

Tuesday 24th December
10:00 – 14:00
Immanuel & St. Andrew’s Church,
452 Streatham High Road,
London.
SW16 3PY

  • Sutton

Thursday 5th December
14:00 – 16:30 & 17:30 – 20:00
The Thomas Wall Centre,
Benhill Avenue,
Sutton,
Surrey.
SM1 4DP

  • Wallington (Sutton)

Monday 16th December
14:00 – 16:30 & 17:30 – 20:00
Wallington Public Hall,
3 Stafford Road,
Wallington,
Surrey.
SM6 9AQ

  • Walton (Elmbridge)

Friday 13th December
14:30 – 16:30 & 17:30 – 20:00
St. Andrew’s URC,
Church Hall,
Hersham Road,
Walton,
Surrey.
KT12 1LG