The Welsh Blood Service has issued an urgent plea for people in and around Brecon to give blood if they can this Christmas.

Blood stocks are very low in Wales and the service needs to keep stocks up to supply all 19 hospitals in Wales over the Christmas period.

Brecon Leisure Centre is hosting two donation sessions over the next month. The first is on Friday, December 22 and the second is on Monday, January 8.

To book please visit this link: https://wbs.wales/FestiveBR

Anyone who fits in with the criteria below may be able to give blood: If you are:

•Between the age of 17 and 66 (for your first donation)

•Weigh over 7 stone 12 pounds (50kg)

•Healthy and not subject to medical exclusions

From the time you arrive at the centre to the time you leave; the entire process takes approximately 45-60 minutes. The time it takes to give blood is between five and 10 minutes. By giving blood, you are potentially saving lives and helping patients with specific conditions recover and lead a normal life. 1 donor saves 3 lives.

For more information about giving blood in Wales, please visit www.welsh-blood.org.uk/