A government minister met families who rely on a blood bank for life-saving treatment.

Public health minister Jane Ellison launched the NHS’s Blood and Transplant Blood and 2020 strategy in Colindale.

The Conservative MP met people whose lives depend on blood donation and saw first-hand the manufacturing services which help maintain blood stock levels around the country.

The service relies on more than 6,000 blood donors to meet hospital and patient needs across England.

The strategy outlines the ambitions for blood donation services over the next five years.

Scientists at the blood bank are currently testing patients with sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia.

Ms Ellison met Calvin Campbell, 50 and Donna Mansfield-Allman, 54, who both have sickle cell anaemia and have regular transfusions and will benefit from the new trials.

Ms Ellison said: “My visit to Colindale showed the importance of donating blood. The Blood 2020 strategy builds on the excellent progress to date and gives clear direction for the years ahead, with the ambition to deliver the world’s best blood service.

“Most importantly, it has at its heart the need to deliver an excellent and expert service to NHS hospitals, donors and patients.”