Health bosses are under fire for cancelling blood donor sessions because of Brexit.

The NHS Blood and Transplant says it will stop sessions in Dover and Folkestone for two months fearing there may be post-EU chaos such as Operation Stack.

But Dover's MP has called the move "ridiculous" and some members of the public have told service managers to "get a grip."

The cancellation is for two weeks before Britain officially leave the European Union on March 29 and six weeks afterwards.

Mike Stredder, director of blood donation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We have taken the decision to cancel donation sessions in Dover and Folkestone for a two week period before and for six weeks after Britain’s exit from the EU.

"This is because in the event of issues at Calais and other freight ports, Operation Stack may be put in place by Highways England and the Kent Police.

“This could lead to significant traffic in Kent and may prevent donation teams from reaching venues in the area or a donation leaving."

Mr Stredder said this would only affect six donation sessions but over the same period there would be around 2,700 elsewhere in the country.

Replacement and alternative sessions would also be held to make up for the cancellations.

Mr Stredder added: “There will be no effect on blood stocks or on our ability to supply hospitals.

“We’re grateful to all our lifesaving blood donors and we look forward to seeing them at their next donation."

Long delays on roads into ports like Dover are feared because of possible longer customs checks on lorries if there is no proper post-Brexit system.

Dovcr and MP Charlie Elphicke said: "This is ridiculous and irresponsible. Both the ports of Dover and Calais have said they will keep traffic flowing.

"Why not see what happens first before creating worry completely unnecessarily?

"The NHS should be putting patients first - not promoting Project Fear."