A Worcester woman has been rewarded for reaching a milestone in blood donation.

Denise Davies, aged 58, recently received a crystal award for making 75 donations. The Tolladine Road resident received her Royal Doulton crystal plate at a ceremony at the Great Barr Hotel in Birmingham.

Mrs Davies, who works as a shop assistant, has been giving blood for 40 years, following in her family's footsteps.

She said: "My grandfather and sister were both donors so I was eager to follow their example. I wanted to help others."

Mrs Davies was presented with her award by Debbie Hey-Smith from Birmingham who needed four units of blood after she haemorrhaged during the birth of her daughter.

Mrs Davies said: "I would like to say a big thank you to all the donors who have given blood, especially those who have given it regularly and helped save many lives, including mine. There is life in the blood and we all need it. Give now."

Lyndsay Stewart, spokesperson for the National Blood Service said: "Debbie Hey-Smith is living proof of the vital role blood donors play in the community. We rely entirely on volunteer donors and Mrs Davies has shown remarkable dedication. On behalf of all the patients she has helped, I would like to say a huge thank you. In the region, hospitals require about 400 donations of blood every week."

You can find out more, or to make an appointment for your local session by calling the National Blood Service helpline on 0845 7 711711.