RADIO presenter Tim West has given blood for the first time to help boost depleted Christmas stocks.

But the real reason why the Alpha FM presenter joined the queue at the Darlington donor centre on Thursday night was a chance encounter between him and National Blood Service (NBS) fundraiser Mike Livermore. Both ran in last year's Great North Run, Mr Livermore for the NBS as he has done on many occasion, and Mr West for the Butterwick Hospice, in Stockton.

When Mr West confessed that he had never given blood before, Mr Livermore, who owes his life to a huge blood transfusion he had after suffering a serious haemorrhage, offered to sponsor Mr West for £10 if he gave blood.

Last night, Mr West said: "I haven't given blood before, but I think it is something everyone should seriously consider. My wife is a regular donor so now I have joined the club."

Mr Livermore, who usually completes the Great North Run in a "Billy Blood Drop" novelty costume, said it was £10 well spent.

Blood stocks traditionally fall at this time of year and regular donors are urged to attend sessions if they are asked to donate.

For information about giving blood, call 08457-711711.