TWO blood donors from Bradford on Avon have been honoured this week for their dedication to helping others.

Charlie Cox and Sheila Pearson received awards for 75 and 100 donations respectively at a presentation on Monday.

Rachel Yandell, from the National Blood Service, said: "Mr Cox and Miss Pearson have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the National Blood Service and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them on behalf of the people whose lives have been saved by their generosity.

"All our donors are special individuals but Mr Cox and Miss Pearson have gone the extra mile to save lives."

Miss Pearson began giving blood in 1955, while she was a student. Mr Cox started donating in 1969, following the example of his wife.

He said: "I am as proud as punch. I think it is important to donate blood and I hope I can go on to reach the magic hundred."

Together Mr Cox and Miss Pearson have donated enough blood to save the lives of up to 525 people.

Only three per cent of donors reach 75 donations and just one per cent manage to clock up 100.

The blood service needs to collect up to 10,000 units of blood every day in order to maintain the supplies that hospitals need to carry out lifesaving treatments and surgery.

At the moment just six per cent of those who are eligible to give blood actually do so.

Mr Cox said: "I think a lot of the problem is fear but there is no need to worry. The team that take your blood make you very welcome and you don't even see anything."

Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a blood donor can call the national helpline on 08457 711711 or visit www.blood.co.uk