Health bosses are encouraging people to brave the autumn weather to get out and give blood.

NHS Blood and Transplant has organised a series of blood donor sessions across Wharfedale and Aireborough next month to keep supplies high as winter approaches.

The organisation is continuing to supply hospitals with all the blood that they need. However, both red cells and platelets have a limited shelf-life (35 days for red cells and seven days for platelets) and stocks are usually turned over within a few days.

Donna Batty, lead donor relations manager for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We know the drop in temperature, the end of summer and the start of a new school term has meant many of our donors have had to change their routines.

“Now people are back to their normal schedules, we would like to remind donors, and those thinking of donating for the first time, about the constant demand for blood and inform them that now is a great time to prepare for the upcoming winter months.”

Anyone aged between 17 and 65, weighing more than 50kg (7st 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor.

There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

Donor sessions are taking place in Otley, Ilkley and Horsforth.

The Otley session is in the Wesley Hall, Boroughgate, from 2pm to 3.45pm and 4.45pm to 7.30pm next Thursday.

On Monday, October 22, there is a session at the King’s Hall, Ilkley, from 2pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7.30pm and on Wednesday, October 24, there is a session at the Grove Centre, New Street, Horsforth, from 2pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7.30pm.

To book an appointment, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit blood.co.uk