TWO West Devon blood donors were presented with awards at a special ceremony in Torquay last week, in recognition of their contributions over the years.
Alma Worth, of Yelverton, and George Wheaton, of Okehampton, have notched up an impressive total of 127 pints of donated blood between them.
Alma, who has donated 52 pints to the National Blood Service, was presented with a special pin and certificate, while George received a crystal goblet and certificate for his magnificent donation of 75 pints.
The presentations were made by 12-year-old Naomi King from Newton Abbot who has benfited from the service.
The ceremony at the Palace Hotel in Torquay was held to honour the many people who have saved lives by donating blood regularly.
Carlene Dias of the Midlands and South West National Blood Service said: 'These people are very special and their dedication and total commitment to saving lives is amazing.
'Many of the donors receiving their award have been giving their vital pint for the past 20 years or more.'
She said it was a 'marvellous opportunity' to meet and personally thank people at the ceremony, who are just some of the 200,000 blood donors in this region.
'Hospital demand is constantly increasing and without regular blood donors the Service would not be able to supply the region's hospitals with the blood and blood products they need,' she said.
The NHS needs 10,000 units daily, with two million patients needing blood last year, yet only six percent of the eligible population are blood donors.
One unit, about three quarters of a pint, can help save a life — a healthy human has approximately eight pints of blood in their body.