SCHOOL has been back for only two weeks and Cairns students have already rolled up their sleeves to give blood.

The 2008 Young Blood challenge, formerly known as the Red Race, is already drawing blood, with St Augustine'’s College students the first to do their bit to help save a life.

The college has won the award of making the most donations for the past two years and the challenge has been issued to other schools to out-donate them in 2008.

Year 12 students Daniel Becka and Dale Clenton made their first donations on Monday.

"I've had a few people go into hospital lately so this is my chance to give something back to the hospital," Dale, 17, said.

"I feel honoured to be able to donate."

Australian Red Cross Blood Service Cairns community liaison officer Deb Ryan said school students from Cairns made 203 donations last year, which had the potential to save more than 600 lives.

"Only 3.5 per cent of Australians donate and one in three Australians will need blood in their lives," Ms Ryan said.

 To make an appointment or find out more about donating phone 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au