People in the Westcountry are being asked to help save lives throughout the summer months as the National Blood Service (NBS) launches its 'Big Summer BBQ' appeal.

With the holiday season fast approaching and thoughts turning to holidays, al fresco dining and barbeques, Michael Caines, the region's very own celebrity chef, and the NBS are highlighting the importance of giving blood this summer and eating an iron rich diet to help maintain healthy blood.

Each year the NBS requires a staggering 234,000 blood donations across the South West but last year, one in 20 people who visited a donor centre to give blood, was unable to do so, because the haemoglobin in their blood was too low.

Iron is important to keep your levels of haemoglobin up, which is why it is so important to eat foods containing it.

Blood is needed for treating a variety of illnesses and conditions - not just for accidents and emergencies.

Even for some whose illness has no cure, a blood transfusion can help to improve the quality of their life.

The NBS needs to collect up to 7,000 units every day to make sure that patients in hospitals across England and north Wales are able to receive the life saving treatments they require.

Michael Caines: "Giving blood can help save more than one life so sparing a little time to donate blood can really make a difference."

This means a total of almost two million donations each year are required to meet the ongoing demand for blood and yet still only four per cent of the eligible population gives blood and donor numbers are falling.

On top of that, with nearly 40 million people enjoying holidays abroad, donor numbers inevitably dip during the summer months.

Caines said: "The NBS needs new donors to come forward and regular donors to give blood this summer.

"The need for donors across the South West is constant and yet still only four per cent of the eligible population gives blood and donor numbers are falling.

"Giving blood can help save more than one life so sparing a little time to donate blood can really make a difference.

"When cooking up a barbeque this summer, remember to pick foods which are iron rich to help to keep your blood healthy.

"Red meat, turkey and chicken are great for barbequing and contain lots of iron. For accompaniments to the barbeque, or for those who don't eat meat, choose beans, eggs and other pulses. Drinking more fruit juice with your meal helps you to absorb more iron too."

Those planning holidays to exotic locations are also being asked to give before they go! With holidaymakers now travelling further afield, including Africa, Central and South America, and Asia - all malaria risk destinations, this can prevent many from donating for six months after they return and have a 'knock-on' effect on blood collection.

Regular donors and non-donors alike are being encouraged to think about giving blood over the summer to ensure that blood levels are not dramatically affected by the decrease in new donors coming forward.

Donors can ring the National Donor Helpline on 0845 7 711711 (open 24hrs) or visit www.blood.co.uk to register details, find the venues and times for your nearest blood donation session and book an appointment.

If you are aged between 17 - 60 years of age, in general good health and weigh over 7st 12lbs you could support the campaign, just call the Donor Helpline to find out more about where you can make your donation to help save someone's life.