Sidmouth residents are being called upon to sign up and give blood as part of a national drive to recruit new donors.

NHS Blood and Transplant said 1,926 people signed up across Devon in 2017 - but it needs 200,000 new donors every year to maintain supply for life-saving donations.

Mike Stredder, director of the service, said: “This year we are asking people in Devon to focus on giving and to register to give blood. By donating blood you will save or improve the lives of up to three people. Do something amazing in 2018. Give blood.”

Donors are needed from all blood groups and communities aged 17 to 66. Donors can continue over the age of 70 if they have given blood in the last two years.

To sign up visit www.blood.co.uk or call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23.