A LONG-SERVING organiser of blood donor sessions has won a national prize in recognition of her hard work.

Brenda Jones, of Fairview Farm, Westbury, has spent the past 40 years organising blood donations in the town.

On Friday she was presented with a National Blood Service Special Award during a ceremony in London.

In September Ms Jones was also awarded a regional trophy in recognition of her 40 years' work in Westbury but had to return the prize because it was cracked.

She said: "The first prize I received was broken and it had to be taken away to be repaired but this one is fantastic very large and robust.

"I have spent 40 years organising the blood transfusion centre but I could not have done it without the most wonderful help from my tea ladies.

"The tremendous support given to me by the ladies at the club in Westbury is so worthwhile and I hope that me receiving this award will give a boost to other organisers of blood donation sessions."

Brenda Jones was one of 10 winners to scoop an award but the only organiser in the country to be recognised.

Now the volunteer is calling for more people to donate blood in Westbury after a poor turnout last month.

She said: "We were down by 30 people in February which is worrying and we need to do a little bit of work to get the numbers back up."

The next session will be held at Westbury Labour Club on Thursday between 1.30-3.15pm and 5-7.15pm.