CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A FORMER Westinghouse Brakes worker has received an award for making more than 100 donations to the National Blood Service.

Malcolm Pearce, 69, who gave his first donation in 1955 while working for the rail giant in Langley Park, Chippenham, joins an elite group of less than one per cent of donors.

In the past 48 years, he has given 101 donations which could have helped save the lives of up to 303 people.

Accompanied by his wife, Myra, who was giving her 71st donation, Mr Pearce attended a session at Saltford Hall, near Bath last week, where he was presented with an award.

When asked what advice he would give to people who were thinking about giving blood, he said: "Just go."

He said: "It really is no hardship and I have met a lot of really nice people at blood donor sessions."

Rachel Yandell, communications officer for the National Blood Service, said they needed to collect nine to ten thousand units of blood every day to maintain supplies for life-saving operations.

"Mr and Mrs Pearce are an extremely generous couple. They have repeatedly given up their time to save lives and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their benevolence.

"We hope others will follow the couple's lead. However, only six per cent of those who are eligible to give blood actually do and we're always looking for new donors."

To find out more about giving blood or becoming a bone marrow donor call 08457 711711 or visit www.blood.co.uk