Residents in Wells with the rare B negative blood type are being urgently called upon to donate, as NHS Blood and Transplant warns that national supplies are under serious strain.

There are nearly 1,500 eligible B negative donors in the South West who are now being urged to book an appointment, with NHSBT reporting a concerning drop in active donors and a sharp rise in demand from hospitals.

Only two percent of the population has B negative blood, which can only be given by B negative or O negative donors. This means that when B negative stocks fall, it puts extra pressure on emergency O negative supplies too.

Fewer than 20,000 B negative donors are currently giving blood regularly in the UK – a number that has dropped by around 1,000 since last year.

Gerry Gogarty, Director of Blood Supply at NHSBT, said: "Right now B negative stocks are at risk of running low. With a blood type this rare, just a slight rise in hospital demand or one or two patients suddenly requiring a high number of units, can put significant extra pressure on supplies."

Family members of people with B negative blood are also encouraged to register and book an appointment, as they are 30% more likely to share the same blood type.

To book an appointment, visit www.blood.co.uk, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.