A technical slip-up has sparked a blood shortage in Sunderland.

Blood stocks are running low after regular donors failed to get their donation letters in the days after new year.

The National Blood Service (NBS) has already reported a significant decline in blood stocks over the festive period, putting lives at risk.

This has been put down to holidays, unusually high numbers of winter illness, an increased number of people who have had breaks abroad to places at risk of malaria, and staff shortages due to widespread illness.

But, the problem has got significantly worse after blood donor invitation levels failed to land on doormats across the city.

Blood stocks do traditionally dip at this time of the year but they are much lower than might normally be expected.

A total of 900 units of blood is required by hospitals every month in Sunderland alone.

NBS aims to have a seven day supply of blood, but it now only has a 4.6 day supply.

Amy Lansdown-Nasson, NBS spokeswoman, said: "Although NBS is continuing to meet all hospital requirements for blood, we are now working closely with hospitals to ensure their effective use of blood products.

"Blood is a living product with a short shelf-life, so we can't stockpile lots of blood in advance. We desperately need donors to come forward now."

You can become a donor if you are aged between 17-60, over seven stone 12lbs (50kg) and in general good health.

* To find out more, or to make an appointment, call 0845 7 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk.

You can donate today at Fence Houses Community Centre from 2.30pm to 7pm.