PEOPLE wanting to make a New Year's resolution to help others are being encouraged to sign up as a blood donor in 2018.

This year, 2,047 people in Wiltshire registered to give blood for the first time and now NHS Blood and Transplant is encouraging people to make a New Year’s resolution that can change someone else’s life, not just their own.

Across England 900,000 people gave blood in 2017 but around 200,000 new donors are needed every year to maintain the supply for life-saving blood donations.

Donors are needed from all blood groups and communities but there is a particular need for more people from black and Asian communities to donate to help provide the right mix of blood.

Mike Stredder, director of blood donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “It’s New Year and like many of us, you may be thinking about the year ahead and some changes you’d like to make to your life. Perhaps you want to cut down on drinking, eat more healthily or are considering joining a gym?

“This year we are asking people in Wiltshire to focus on giving and to register to give blood. It’s easy to sign up and book your first appointment online or via our mobile phone app

“By donating blood you will save or improve the lives of up to three people. Do something amazing in 2018. Give blood.”

In general, donors must be fit and healthy, weigh over 7st 12lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before). Anyone over 70 must have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.

To register, visit www.blood.co.uk or download the app by searching ‘NHSGiveBlood’ in the app store.

People can also call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23.