A FATHER Christmas from High Wycombe took time out from his busy schedule to donate blood.

Aaron McCall, 26, took time away from his grotto to promote blood donation at the West End donor centre just off Oxford Street.

They went in wearing traditional red outfits and came out in white after the blood donation session.

The festive period is typically a challenging time for blood stocks as donating blood slips off people's to-do lists.

Aaron started donating blood at sessions in High Wycombe when he was 18. He explains that his motivation to donate came from his mother being a nurse who donated when he was younger.

Aaron said: "It’s good to know you can do something so simple that helps so many people"

If you’re 17 or over, in general good health and want to spread some Christmas cheer by saving lives, do your bit by visiting www.blood.co.uk or calling 0300 123 23 23 to find a session in England or North Wales near you to give blood.