This Halloween, English Heritage is partnering with NHS Blood and Transplant to offer visitors the chance to discover their own blood type.

As part of an urgent nationwide appeal for more donors to help boost vital blood stocks, free blood type self-testing kits will be distributed at Kenilworth Castle and other English Heritage sites on 31 October.

The NHS said it requires 5,000 donations every day to support patients and hospitals across England.

The initiative aims to encourage more people to register as blood donors and start donating.

Right now there is a particular need for more people with O negative and B negative blood types and for more donors of Black heritage to help sickle cell patients who rely on ethnically matched blood.

Altaf Kazi, assistant director of partnerships, at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "This Halloween, Dracula is not the only one on the hunt for blood.

"Across the country, we're teaming up with English Heritage to seek out those with vital, life-saving blood types like O negative and B negative which are both urgently needed right now. A quick finger prick test could reveal your blood type and start your journey as a real lifesaver.

"Giving blood takes around an hour, and each donation can save up to three people. And as every vampire knows, every drop counts!"

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