A MINEHEAD blood donor team came face to face with some unusual customers when a cluster of witches and vampires turned up to donate a few pints. But the scary characters were simply celebrating Halloween and combining the event with a spot of fundraising. Hidden behind the masks were staff, committee members and parents from the West Somerset Nursery Group. And their mass effort at the two-day blood donor session was supported by other parents and local people who together raised £150 to buy much needed sensory equipment for youngsters who attend the nursery. Assistant nursery manager Alison Clegg said the combination of having the chance to go along to a blood donor session on Halloween provided an opportunity that was difficult to resist. "As always, we were given tremendous support from everyone who is associated with the West Somerset Nursery Group." Claire Noonan, communications officer for the National Blood Service, said giving blood was not as scary as people thought. "Everyone from the West Somerset Nursery really got into the spirit of things when they gave blood this Halloween. "It's wonderful that parents and other local people have been inspired by this and are now giving their own gifts that can be used to buy equipment for children at the nursery." The NBS needs to collect 8,000 units a day to meet the demand from hospitals - Musgrove Park in Taunton alone uses 12,000 units of blood each year. Anyone interested in becoming a donor can call the national helpline on 0845 7711711 or log on to the NBS website at http://www.blood.co.uk">www.blood.co.uk for more details. Pictured from the left at the back are Lisa Biddiscombe, John Mallinson, Emma Chilcott, Kerry Knapman and Sarah Roberts with Jonathan Sweetland front. Photo: Steve Guscott.
