FOUR “life-saving” donors from south Buckinghamshire were honoured by the NHS after each of them gave blood at least 75 times.

NHS Blood and Transplant invited 46 donors to an awards evening at The Oxford Centre to celebrate the 'lifeblood' of their service.

Among them were Elaine Watts from Chalfont St Giles, Carol Burch from Stokenchurch and Francis Kelly from High Wycombe.

James Bole from Chesham was presented with a special decanter for having made 100 donations.

He said: "I began donating blood whilst I was serving in HM Forces, I continued when posted to Germany and have donated ever since.

“About two years ago, in West London, I began giving platelets on a regular basis and now donate whole blood and platelets in Chesham... Even when I am working away, I find out where the nearest centre is to ensure that I don't miss a donation."

The awards were handed out by Pat Noel, who has received 28 pints of blood.

First time blood donors should be aged between 17-65, weighing at least 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health.

If you've donated before, you can start again up to your 70th birthday and there is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk