THE Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has called on Hamilton locals to donate blood when the Mobile Blood Donor Centre visits from January 17 to 28.

More than 50 additional blood donors are needed over the 10-day visit, with the largest number needed on Australia Day - Wednesday, January 26 and Thursday, January 27.

Lifeblood spokesperson, Erin Lagoudakis said they were asking locals who have never donated before or who haven’t donated in a while to book a donation and save lives.

“The need for blood is constant. Australian patients are relying on a steady blood flow to treat cancer, blood disorders, immune disorders and stem bleeding from childbirth, road trauma and emergency surgery,” she said.

Lifeblood will be located at Melville Oval, Glenelg Hwy/Lonsdale Street with donation times available between 8am and 7:30pm.

Bookings and masks are essential - to book visit lifeblood.com.au, download the free Donate Blood app, or call Lifeblood on 13 14 95.