BLOOD donors who have given more than 100 pints have been thanked for their part in saving 20,000 lives.

Richard Hubbard, from Whitstable, and Robert Brockman, received crystal decanters for reaching the 100 donation milestone at an NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) award ceremony.

Crystal plates were also presented to regular donors Robert Brown, Maureen Corringan and Kathryn Sheehan, all from Whitstable, who have given blood 75 times.

The ceremony was held at Ashford International Hotel and honoured 81 donors from across Kent, whose combined donations total 6,600 units, almost 5,000 pints, and have helped nearly 20,000 people survive illness or accidents.

The prizes were presented by Gravesend train driver Jeremy Bover, whose daughter Georgina needed blood transfusions after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer just after her first birthday.

The experience inspired Mr Bover to donate blood, clocking up six pints already.

Lead donor relations manager at NHSBT, John Canning said: "The commitment these blood donors have shown to donating blood throughout their lives is remarkable.

"They are shining examples to others thinking of donating for the first time or to those who haven't donated in a while.

"We are delighted to honour them in this way and are grateful for every single donation they have given."

First-time donors must be aged between 17 and 65, weigh at least 50kg (7 stone, 12lb) and be in generally good health.

People who have donated before can start again up to their 70th birthday and there is no upper age limit for those who have donated in the past two years. Call 0300 1232323 or visit www.blood.co.uk to book an appointment.