The Blood Mobile will be at Darlington Football Club on September 10^th, between 10.00am and 4.00pm, outside the Corner Bar.

This is the second visit by the mobile unit and it is hoped that these visits by the Blood Mobile will lead to larger regular donation sessions within the stadium as of January 2009.

Christine Balford, commercial director at Darlington Football Club said: "Darlington Football Club prides itself on its links with the local community and we are pleased to support this worthwhile effort. There is always a need for blood stocks and we would like to encourage our fans and all local residents who possibly can to make an appointment to donate blood."

Sheena Simpson, spokeswoman for the NBS said: "We're delighted that Darlington FC are once again stepping up to the mark and helping patients in need. Sport is a wonderful way of staying fit, but it is easy to forget when you are in good health how important it is to give blood. It's great that the club is using their fantastic community links in helping us to remind people that we need their life-saving donations now more than ever.

"Blood only has a short shelf life so we always need more people prepared to roll up their sleeves and donate. Only 4% of those who could give blood actually do, and nearly 500 donations are needed every month in Darlington alone".

Anyone aged 17 - 60 weighing over 7st 12 lbs (50kg), in general good health, could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor.

For more information on becoming a blood donor including details of sessions in your area, or to make an appointment, call 0845 7711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk