People who were previously barred from donating blood because they had lived in the UK for six months or more between 1980 and 1996 are now free to become donors.

The rule was put in place after the UK outbreak of ‘Mad Cow’ disease in the 1990s but has now been lifted.

The change includes people from, or who lived in, England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the Falkland Islands.

Blood donation eligibility requirements and collection centre details are available at lifeblood.com.au.

Donations can be made via the Mobile Donor Centre at the McLaren Vale Function Centre on Wednesday 21 September and Thursday 22 September and the Strathalbyn Library on Monday 19 September and Tuesday.

The Noarlunga Donation Centre at 12-18 David Witton Drive in Noarlunga Centre is open each week from Tuesday to Saturday.

It is necessary to make an appointment to donate at permanent and mobile donor centres via lifeblood.com.au.