JAMES Parker may have started giving blood for a lie-down and a free cup of tea - but, 100 donations later, his reward was a little more impressive.

Mr Parker was among 10 Worcester blood donors recognised for reaching donation milestones.

The 60-year-old from Kenwood Avenue, Tolladine, was presented with an Edinburgh crystal decanter for reaching 100 donations, the highest milestone, only achieved by one in every 5,000 donors each year in the UK.

The other donors were awarded a crystal plate for 75 donations at the ceremony, held at the Chateau Impney, Droitwich.

Mr Parker, a machine tool engineer, started working his way up to 100 donations 41 years ago.

He said: "The blood service came to my place of work, which meant time off, a lie down and a cup of tea! Apart from that you're left with a good feeling after donating - the satisfaction that comes from helping other people.

"My father had transfusions as part of cancer treatment so I know from personal experience how vital they are."

The other donors awarded were Brian Berry, from Martley Road, Worcester, Janet Finne, from Warndon, Michael Meigh, of St John's, David Miller, from Evesham, Trevor Price, of Kempsey, Edward Reeves, from Field Terrace, Worcester, Walter Smith, of Dines Green, David Strangeways, from Timberdine Avenue, and David Ward, of Spetchley.

Collectively they will have all helped many hospital patients, having given a total of 775 donations, which could keep Worcestershire hospitals supplied with blood for nearly two weeks.

Lyndsay Stewart, spokeswoman for the National Blood Service, said: "All of these donors have shown such loyalty to giving blood so we would like to say a huge thank you to them.

"With their help we manage to meet the high demand for blood as 8,000 donations are needed each and every day.

"People forget the simple fact that blood is only at the hospital bedside because someone has been generous enough to donate it, and with 15 per cent of donors leaving each year due to retirement, relocation or ill health, we always need new donors."

To be a blood donor you need to be aged between 17 and 59, over 7st 12lbs and in general good health. For more information, contact the National Blood Service helpline on 0845 7711711 or visit their website at www. blood.co.uk