It’s painless, takes less than an hour and saves lives, yet only four per cent of people in the UK do it.

But, this Friday, Sedgley residents can do something amazing and give blood as part of a nationwide donor drive by NHS .

Donating blood is easy – during the process, a tiny drop of blood is taken from the fingertip, allowing nurses to check haemoglobin levels and ensure that giving blood won’t make the donor anaemic.

If all is well, the donor then proceeds to give about 470ml of blood – an amount which is quickly replaced by the body.

Once someone has given blood, they are advised to have a short rest before being given some refreshments  – usually a drink and biscuits.

The NHS Blood and Transplant service will be at the Community Centre in Ladies Walk from 1pm until 3.30pm and 4.30pm until 7pm.

Call 0300 123 23 23 to make an appointment or visit the Give Blood website for more information.