The national forestry service’s “Christmas Tree for Life” campaign will see anyone who donates blood, platelets or plasma tomorrow given a free fir tree.

Józef Kubica, acting general director of the agency, said: “Holidays are a beautiful family time. A Christmas tree will be installed in many homes. It is important that it is a natural tree that smells like a forest.”

He added: “By proposing such trees, we want to encourage people to give a unique gift this Christmas, which is the priceless gift of life in the form of blood.”

The forestry agency has launched a dedicated website for the campaign with information on where to donate, including at special mobile units set up for Christmas.