Assistant Manager Martin Gray led a team of lifesavers tackling low blood stocks as they helped the National Blood Service launch a brand new donation session at Darlington Football Club.

Club players Tommy Wright and Ian Miller joined Martin and larger than life mascot Billy Blood Drop to support kind-hearted club staff as they rolled up their sleeves to give a pint of the red stuff.

Amy Lansdown-Nasson, spokeswoman for the NBS said: "Over the Easter break we've seen blood stocks dip as fewer sessions take place. This makes it a real challenge to score our ideal goal of a seven day supply of blood. We're delighted that Darlington FC are stepping up to the mark and helping patients in need. The club has fantastic community links and is helping us to remind people that we need their life-saving donations now more than ever.

"Blood only has a short shelf life so we always need more people prepared to roll up their sleeves and donate. Only 4% of those who could give blood actually do, and nearly 500 donations are needed every month in Darlington alone".

Grahame McDonnel, commercial director at Darlington Football Club said: "The club is proud to be able to support the life-saving work of the National Blood Service.

"Although players are not permitted to donate during the playing season they were supporting their colleagues. I hope that this blood donation session will become a regular fixture at the Darlington Arena, enabling more members of the public to give much needed blood."

It's easy to see how giving blood slips off your 'to do' list, but by giving up just one hour of your day and making that vital donation, you could score your own fantastic hat trick, as each donation can save three lives.

If you've never given blood before, now would be a great time to give your first pint. You can become a donor if you are aged between 17-60, over 7st 12lbs (50kg) and in general good health. To find out how easy it can be, make an appointment on 0845 7 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk to find your nearest session.

Other sessions coming up in and around Darlington are:

Tuesday 22 April & 13 May

St Cuthbert's Church, Market Square

14.00 - 19.00

Monday 19 May

Haughton le Skerne Working Men's Club, Haughton Green

15.00 - 19.00

Wednesday 21 May

Harrowgate Hill Methodist Church, Carmel Road South

15.00 - 19.00