THREE thousand new blood donors are being sought in seven days when the National Blood Service launches a new campaign in Preston this weekend.

The aim of the recruitment drive is to ensure lives are not lost or compromised for the want of blood or products derived from a donation.

It is five years ago since the campaign came to town, during which time Preston Blood Donor Panel has lost many regular donors.

Dozens of blood donor helpers will take to the street on Saturday for a week to make up for loss.

To open the event, nine local people were presented with Department of Health Gold Awards earlier this week for donating 50 pints of blood.

Anybody in good health and aged between 18 and 60 who wishes to help the National Blood Service reach their target should call at the mobile campaign headquarters in the Flag Market.

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