People from ethnic minorities are urged to give blood as a part of a drive to recruit more donors.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) are calling specifically for young black men from Harrow to sign up to help treat blood disorders.

According to the organisation, active black donors currently account for only one per cent of blood donors despite making up five per cent of the population.

Theo Clarke from NHS Blood and Transplant National said: “We need more black donors as some rare blood types are more common among black communities.

“Donations are used to treat blood disorders, such as sickle cell anaemia, which are more likely to affect the black community.

“Sickle patients ideally need blood from a similar ethnic background. We also need to ensure blood supplies for emergency treatment of those with rare blood types, for example after road accidents or childbirth complications.”

Those interested in signing up and donating can book an appointment at the Edgeware Blood Donor Centre by visiting www.blood.co.uk or can call 0300 123 23 23.