Locals in Glastonbury and Street with B-negative blood are being asked to act now as the NHS raises the alarm over falling supplies of this rare blood type.

NHS Blood and Transplant says 1,497 B-negative donors across the South West are eligible to donate right now but haven't yet booked an appointment. That, combined with increased demand and a shrinking pool of regular donors, has pushed stocks close to crisis point.

B negative is one of the rarest blood types — found in just 2% of people — and can only be given by B negative or O negative donors. This puts huge pressure on emergency stock levels when donors don't come forward.

Gerry Gogarty from NHSBT said: "With a blood type this rare, just a slight rise in hospital demand or one or two patients suddenly requiring a high number of units can put significant extra pressure on supplies."

Family members of those with B-negative blood are also asked to register as donors, as they are up to 30% more likely to match.

Book your appointment today at www.blood.co.uk, on the GiveBlood app or by calling 0300 123 23 23.