WITH the return of the swine flu virus poised to hit vital supplies, people in Somerset are being urged to give blood.

NHS Blood and Transplant is appealing to people to give blood now to save lives this winter – and is also asking them to take a friend, colleague or family member along too.

People can’t give blood when they have flu, so NHSBT needs to build up stocks now.

The dip in winter donations is expected to be greater this year due to a combination of seasonal and swine flu.

Regular donors are being urged to recruit a friend and NHSBT is also encouraging first-time donors to take a ‘blood buddy’ with them for support.

The need for blood donors is constant, with 7,000 donations required each day to supply hospitals. Leading celebrities, sports clubs and businesses are supporting the campaign.

Lynda Hamlyn, chief executive of NHSBT, said: “We hope ‘buddying up’ will encourage more people to give blood and spread the word.

“People can’t give blood when they’ve got flu, so we need people to donate now.

“If you’ve always intended to give blood but never got around to it, please come along this summer.”

Celebrity supporters include newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, actress and ‘Britain’s Got Ta-lent’ judge Amanda Holden and music guru Pete Water-man.

Anyone who would like to donate blood should ring 0300-1232323 or go to www.blood.co.uk to make an appointment.

Forthcoming sessions St James Church Hall, Taunton, September 9; The St Augustine of Canterbury School, Taunton, October 29; the Baptist Church Hall, Wellington, November 12.