You don't have to be a member of the emergency services to save a life, according to the National Blood Service.

In a new campaign, set up by the Oxford Blood Centre, volunteers are being urged to do their bit to save accident victims by donating blood.

As well as helping car crash or fire victims, blood donors can help save the lives of patients with leukaemia and other debilitating illnesses, as well as people who need blood during surgery.

But the National Blood Service traditionally finds reserves decrease during the hotter months as people go on holiday and do not have the time to donate blood.

Anyone between 17 and 60 years can help and further information is available by calling the Oxford Blood Centre, at the John Radcliffe Hospital, on 01865 447939.