BLOODY marvellous. That was the verdict today on Selby blood donors, who have been praised as among the best in the country.

Recent donation sessions in Selby have attracted more donors than expected, drawing praise and thanks from the National Blood Service (NBS).

NBS spokeswoman Penny Richardson told the Evening Press today: "Selby donors are great. We have been getting more people attending there than we anticipated every time. That means we are getting the amount of blood that we need.

She said: "Areas like yours are among the best. You are bucking the national trend and holding your own."

The NBS regularly visits Selby Methodist Church Hall, in Portholme Road, and recent sessions have all attracted large numbers. One session had a target attendance of 85, but actually drew 97 donors.

Ms Richardson said: "Selby sessions are doing very well and obviously we are very grateful, because obviously it's voluntary donors who keep the blood flowing to the hospitals.

"People come along not for any reward, and you can justifiably say that Selby donors should be proud of themselves. We are very grateful to every single one of them. We appreciate the time they give up to help us meet the needs of patients."

But Ms Richardson said the NBS was keen for more people to register, to help compensate for the fall in donors during winter.

She said: "What we do need now is more donors enrolling, so we can register them and get them donating over the winter.

"We would encourage people to give us a call, or come in and enrol with us.

"The problem is that we do find that we get people who cannot donate through the winter - people have got a bit of a cold, or a headache, or flu coming on, so it can add that extra bit of problem in making sure we keep the blood banks filled up.

"So we like to get more people enrolled."

Anyone wishing to enrol with the National Blood Service, or wanting to learn more, should phone 08457 711 711.

Anyone unsure if they can donate, or who has any medical queries, should phone to speak to an advisor.

All calls are answered by people, rather than automatically.

::Give blood

Blood donor sessions will be held in the Methodist Church Hall, Portholme Road, Selby, on the following dates:

Tuesday, November 8, 2pm-4pm and 5pm-7.30pm

Tuesday, November 22, 2pm-4pm and 5pm-7.30pm

Tuesday, November 29, 2pm-4pm and 5pm-7.30pm

Tuesday, December 13, 2pm-4pm and 5pm-7.30pm

Updated: 10:10 Friday, October 28, 2005