The Bristol Donor Centre in Southmead requires people to give blood or donate platelets – a component of blood that stops bleeding and bruising.

A single donor can give enough platelets each visit to provide two to three adult doses or up to 12 small doses for babies and young children.

Giving platelets is a longer process than giving blood, taking about an hour and a quarter rather than 10 minutes.

Fay Simcox, of the National Blood Service said: "As well as looking for more blood donors we are hoping to encourage a number of blood donors to consider giving platelets."

The session will be held at the Bristol Donor Centre on Southmead Road tomorrow from 8am to 2pm. The donor centre number is 991 2040.