A group of weekly titles have launched a campaign to encourage readers to donate a total of 5,000 pints of blood between now and Easter.

Highland News and Media has launched its group-wide Give Blood, Save Lives campaign in conjunction with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.

Newspapers taking part include the Inverness Courier,  Ross-shire Journal, Northern Times and John O’Groat Journal.

Each of the titles are carrying a front page story on the campaign launch in this week’s editions.

It read: “Between now and Easter we want you to join us in our effort to secure 5,000 pints of donated blood across Highland and Moray.

“We want to boost the number of regular blood donors. And we want to share the inspiring stories of those who have benefited from donations – and celebrate those stepping up to do their bit.”

Writing in the Courier’s newsletter, news editor Gregor White added: “That’s 5000 pints of blood that will be used to help those caught up in emergency situations including accident victims, birthing mothers and newborn babies, as well as others undergoing cancer treatment or suffering blood disorders.

“Did you know, for example, that just three teaspoons of blood can save a baby’s life and that, by dividing each blood donation into its constituent parts it has the potential to change for the better the lives of up to three people?”