AN APPOINTMENTS system for blood donors will be put on hold following a trial run.

The National Blood Service has been running trials of an appointments system in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire area, allowing donors to phone up and set a time when they want to give blood.

Jim Moir, spokesman for the blood service, said: "We've had a mixed response. Some people really like making an appointment while some were not so keen."

The blood service is now going to update its computer systems which will allow people to make an appointment if they want to, or turn up on the day.

Mr Moir said it would be the best of both worlds.

He added: "We will be bringing back the system in the summer but it will allow people to turn up and give blood."

Mr Moir also urged anyone who still has an appointment to give blood to keep it.

At the moment, anyone who wants to give blood can ring the National Blood Service hotline and advisers can inform donors where their nearest centre is and what time. Advisers can also tell them what times are the quietest.

Anyone who wants to give blood can phone (0845) 7711 711