A BLOOD donor who has reached his century for pints of blood given was recognised at an awards ceremony.

Colin Edwards, who serves on Langport Town Council, first gave blood when he was a teenager and is now in the elite 1% in the country to give 100 pints or more.

He said: “Giving blood is extremely satisfying and when a relative needed a large transfusion recently it reinforced how important blood donation is.

“Due to the change of rules about the maximum donation age I’ve been able to reach this amazing donation milestone.”

Blood donors from across Somerset were recognised by NHS Blood and Transplant for their commitment to at an awards ceremony. The 67 blood donors at the awards have helped save over 15,000 lives.

Jonathan Sewell, Lead Donor Relations Manager, said: “Sometimes you forget how much of a difference giving blood can make to people’s lives.

“These donors are an inspiration to us all and we hope that they continue donating and saving the lives of many more people.”

Anyone wanting to donate for the first time should call the Donor Line on 0300- 1232323 or visit www.blood.co.uk