Donors asked to to give gift of blood this Christmas

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service has called on donors to give the gift of blood this Christmas.

Blood supplies are at risk of falling to critical levels over the Christmas period.

It will need 10,000 donations to maintain its blood banks.

"People are very at this time of year, obviously out shopping, trying to get around and see relatives and trying to tie things up at work, and of course it puts people under extra pressure," said Paul McKinney, operations director with the IBTS.

"And we're aware of that, but it is a great gift to be able to be able to give blood.

"One in four of us will need a transfusion in our lives."