Blood donor sessions are to be held at Shadwell Fire Station as the NHS looks to increase its stocks from black, Asian and minority ethic communities.

The NHS hopes by holding sessions in the diverse area of Shadwell will attract people from a range of ethnic backgrounds to donate.

The Brigade’s borough commander for Tower Hamlets, Pat Goulbourne, said: “By partnering with NHS Blood and Transplant, we are another step closer to our goal of bringing our fire stations into the heart of the communities they serve.

“As a blood donor myself, I know it’s a simple quick process to donate blood and it can make a huge difference to someone in need.”

Currently only one per cent of blood donors are black and because certain treatments require a close blood match it is important more are found.

One session will be held per month at the station, with the first session taking place on Friday, September 27.

To register to give blood, call 0300 123 2323.