It was a case of Billy met Billy as Bradford panto stars gave their backing to a drive for more blood donors this Christmas.

Leading man Billy Pearce met Billy Blood Drop, the National Blood Service's mascot, at the Alhambra Theatre.

On stage with Aladdin co-stars Gary Sharkey, who plays Abanazar, and Lila McConigley, the Princess, Billy Pearce yesterday revealed why giving blood is a subject close to his heart as he wouldn't be alive today were it not for the National Blood Service.

He said: "I have needed donated blood a couple of times in my life and I would not be here without it.

"So I would like to thank whoever it was who gave blood to enable me to live and encourage more people to come forward and give blood."

Yorkshire-born Billy was 16 and living in Leeds with his grandmother when he was involved in near-fatal accident, from which he still bears the scars.

He was travelling into Leeds on a scooter with a friend when the bike was hit by a car.

"I landed on my chest on a keep left sign," he said. "That was what did the damage. I was spark out for a long time and doctors told my parents it was unlikely I would pull through - I went from 11 stone to four and a half stone.

"Without the donated blood I would be dead."

A bigger-than-usual demand for blood during autumn, combined with an annual drop in donations of at least ten per cent over the festive season, means more new donors than ever are needed at this time of year.

Statistics show hospitals in Bradford need more than 60 units of blood every day to help treat seriously-ill patients.

And the national daily demand for blood for the UK's hospitals is 8,000 units.

Vicki Hutchinson, spokesman for the National Blood Service, said blood stocks in the region were still below comfortable levels.

She said: "We can't start saving blood stocks for over Christmas in advance because it does not last that long.

"We have seen an improvement in the Bradford area because of the campaign publicity but with 600 units a day to find it is always going to be an uphill struggle."

People who give blood need to be in general good health, over the age of 17 and under 70 and weigh seven stones or more.

For more information look on the website www.blood.co.uk or call the helpline on 08457 711 711 or call in at the National Blood Service centre in Rawson Road, Bradford, which is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 6.30pm.

l Aladdin runs at the Alhambra Theatre until Sunday, January 28. Call the box office on (01274) 432000 or visit www.bradford-theatres.co.uk e-mail: claire.lomax@bradford.newsquest.co.uk