Craven people are being asked to consider saving a life for their New Year’s resolution - by giving blood.

“Resolutions have become a bit cliché as people always set themselves up for big challenges they are unable to complete,” said Donna Batty from NHS Blood and Transplant.

“Our challenge is simple - plus we can guarantee donors a warm welcome, a hot cup of tea and a biscuit to help boost their sense of achievement not to mention the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping sick and injured people in local hospitals with each and every donation they make.”

There are three donor sessions planned locally - at St John’s Church Hall, Settle, next Thursday, January 10 and Thursday, January 24, both from 2.30pm to 4pm and again from 5pm to 7.30pm, and at Grassington Town Hall on Monday, January 21, from 2pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm.

Anyone aged between 17 and 65, weighing more than 50 kg (seven stone 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.

To book an appointment, call 0300 123 23 23.