MORE than 300 people in Swindon are to be banned from donating blood in a bid to prevent the spread of CJD the human variant of BSE.

Health secretary John Reid's precautionary measure applies to anyone who received blood transfusions after January 1, 1980. Anyone who received blood before that date is not thought to have been at risk of BSE.

The move means the number of blood donors in Britain will be slashed by 52,000.

Swindon blood stocks are healthy but the National Blood Service is hoping more donors come forward to keep it that way.

Jude Pamington, regional spokeswoman for the service, said some 10,000 donors in Swindon gave more than 20,000 units of blood each year a unit is 470ml or just less than a pint.

She said: "The news that we will be losing some of our most loyal donors in Swindon is disappointing, but we must ensure that patients are receiving safe blood and this is why we've taken such a precaution.

"In light of the announcement by the Secretary of State we are anticipating a loss of 3.2 per cent of those donors, which would work out as approximately 320 donors in Swindon.

"A hospital such as the Great Western requests over 8,000 units of blood and blood products every year."

She added that the NBS was grateful to all those donors who were now unable to give blood.

"Their generosity has helped to save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives across Swindon and the South West," she said.

The move follows the revelation before Christmas that a man had died after receiving blood in 1996 from a donor who was later discovered to have CJD.

Dr Reid insisted this was still a "possibility, not a proven causal connection."

But he was determined to adopt a precautionary approach by banning certain donations.

Swindon's super blood donor Peter Fuller, who has given 68 pints in 50 years, said he understood the reasoning behind the ban.

The 70-year-old, from Castle View Road, Stratton St Margaret, started giving blood for the free tea and biscuits and a skive off work. He has finally been forced to give up due to his age.

He said: "We want to save lives by giving blood but if there is a danger it has to be sorted out.

"My son Dermot needed transfusions when he was younger after he busted his arm so I know how important donating is.

"Hopefully it will get sorted soon and some of the people will be able to continue donating blood."

Alex Emery