A plea for ethnic sperm donors has been issued by the London Fertility Centre in a bid to reduce an increasing waiting list.

The Harley Street clinic is currently being forced to turn couples away, due to a depletion in their sperm banks.

Sarah Coats, spokeswoman for the centre, revealed the difficulties it was facing.

She said: "Although the numbers of donors have increased, the demand is far outstripping that. We have a massive shortage of sperm donors overall. Although we have a steady flow of caucasian donors there is a massive need for black and Asian donors."

Donors receive £250 for their help, which require blood tests and counselling sessions, along with six separate donations.

One of the problems facing the clinic is the recent law changes enabling children to legally contact their donors on reaching the age of 18.

Miss Coats insisted that was a major reason behind the drop off in volunteers, which has seen the centre's waiting list rise to a minimum of seven months.

Anyone wishing to help should contact the centre on 020 7486 4484 or email donorsperm@lfc.org.uk.