PEOPLE have been urged to make the most of the leap year and use the extra day to donate blood.

NHS Blood and Transplant service is urging donors to give blood and make most of February 29 – which is seen once every four years.

NHSBT spokesman Darren Bowen said: “Sessions will be happening throughout February.

“It only takes one donation to help save and treat up to three lives so giving blood this leap year can make a huge difference to patients in need.

“With only 4% of the eligible population regularly donating, it is important that people sign up to give blood and return on a regular basis.”

Sessions will be from 2pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7.30pm except where indicated.

February 10, Burton Village Hall, 2 Moor Lane, Kirkburton,

February 14 and 27, Methodist Mission, Lord Street

February 16, Hebden Bridge Riverside Junior School Holme Street, Street, Hebden Bridge Crow Lane Primary Crow Lane, Milnsbridge

February 19, Slaithwaite Colne Valley Leisure Centre New Street, Slaithwaite, 11am to 3pm

February 20, Meltham Parish Church Hall Road, Green End Road, Meltham,

February 24, Honley The Community Centre, Stoney Lane, Honley.

Anyone wanting to donate for the first time should be aged between 17 and 65, weighing at least 50kg and in general good health.

If you’ve donated before, you can start again up to your 70th birthday and there is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

To find out more about February blood sessions or to book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk