Blood donors in Oxfordshire have been praised for their dedication and support over the Christmas and New Year period.

More than 2,700 units of blood were collected in Oxfordshire in six weeks. The blood helped to save or improve the lives of about 8,229 people, during a time when the National Blood Service traditionally struggles to keep stock levels high.

NBS spokesman Louise Coxon said: "This period is traditionally a difficult time for the NBS as giving blood falls low on the priority list after Christmas shopping, making Christmas and New Year plans and enjoying the festive season.

"As well as this, seasonal colds and flu can prevent many of our regular donors from making sessions in December and January. But the support from the people of Oxfordshire has been absolutely fantastic."

While 2.743 people offered to give blood, another 83 offered their support but were turned away due to illness or because of their travel history.

Miss Coxon said that although NBS staff aimed to collect at least 88 units of blood at each donor session, many of the sessions between December 1 and January 12 had exceeded the target.

The best support came from Wantage, where 143 people gave blood during a five-hour session at the Civic Centre in December.

And shoppers in Oxford boosted donor numbers to 208 prior to Christmas, during two sessions at the Town Hall, in St Aldate's.

Another 225 donors attended the John Radcliffe Hospital NBS clinic, Oxford, to give 387 units of platelets.

Miss Coxon said: "We really do have to say thank you to all the donors who turned up to our Christmas and New Year sessions."

Although anyone in good health aged between 17 and 60 can volunteer to give blood, only six per cent of people eligible are regular donors.

For more information about venues for donor sessions in Oxfordshire call 0845 771 1711.