Make a resolution to save a life in Gloucestershire in the New Year.

This year, instead of booking a new gym class like many others, NHS Blood and Transplant are urging people to book themselves in for a blood donation session.

With each blood donation potentially saving or improving up to three lives, this good deed can help more people than your average resolution.

Senior Marketing Coordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant John Roche said: “The beginning of the year is a great time to make changes to your lifestyle, and it is the perfect time to give blood.

“If knowing that your blood is helping to save sick and injured people isn’t satisfaction enough, we can also guarantee donors a warm welcome, a refreshing drink and a biscuit when they donate.

“This year, make a resolution you will want to keep and help us save lives at the same time.”

Every blood donation is vital, but NHS Blood and Transplant particularly needs to ensure supplies of the universal blood group O Rh Negative which is often in short supply as demand is so great.

They also need to ensure supplies of the rarer blood groups A Rh Negative, B Rh Negative and AB Rh Negative as these are also vulnerable to shortfall.

To book an appointment to donate visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 2323 to find your nearest session.

It is also easy to book through mobile apps for Windows, Android and Apple devices. To download the app, search 'NHSGiveBlood' in the app store.