Former Mayor of Skipton Andrew Rankine will donate his 50th pint of blood when the national blood donation service comes to Skipton Town Hall on Tuesday.

Mr Rankine, who was Mayor of Skipton between 2002 and 2003 and a councillor for 14 years, said: “I’m a former nurse and police officer and attended road accidents where people have needed blood transfusions – I’m well aware of how important it is to give blood.

“I’m hoping other people will be inspired to do the same.”

His comments have been echoed by officials at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), who are hoping people will pledge to become regular blood donors for their New Year’s resolution.

Donna Batty, NHSBT’s lead donor relations manager for the Yorkshire area, said: “People often set themselves very difficult and drastic challenges for their New Year’s resolutions which they struggle to complete.

“However, we are asking people here to do something very simple which should only take around an hour of their time, a few times a year.

“Making and keeping a New Year’s resolution to give blood will give you the satisfaction of knowing you are saving lives.”

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

The Skipton session is open from 2pm to 3.45pm and again from 4.45pm to 7.30pm.

There are also blood donation sessions planned at St John’s Hall, Settle today (2.30pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7.30pm) and Silsden Methodist Church next Thursday, January 23 (2.30pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7.30pm).

For more information or to book an appointment, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit blood.co.uk.