North West Hampshire's blood donors have been described as life-savers by the County Council.

The total number of donations made by the 143 Hampshire donors is a staggering 12,269 and it is estimated that their combined donations could have helped up to 36,807 people in Hampshire, as each donation given can potentially go on to help save or treat up to three lives.

Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Tim Knight has given his thanks. A blood donor himself for the last 45 years, Cllr Knight said: "The importance of blood donation is often something that goes unrecognised by people until their moment of urgent need, and it's only right that we show our immense gratitude for their vital contributions.

"On my appointment to Chairman of the County Council, I chose the themes of blood donating and helping thy neighbour, and what better way to be a good neighbour and help make our county an even nicer place to live in, than to donate blood and help save a life today."

The National Blood Service, part of NHS Blood and Transplant, needs to collect 7,000 units of blood everyday to help save the lives of sick and injured patients across England and North Wales, yet only four percent of the eligible population give blood.

Bob Davies, Senior Donor Relations Manager at NHSBT, said "NHS Blood and Transplant would like to thank blood and platelet donors in Hampshire for their altruistic acts. Their dedication in helping save lives is to be celebrated and we hope others will be inspired and sign up to give blood too."

Peter Kerrison from Andover has given 134 whole blood donations. He said: "I'm a keen motorcyclist and started giving blood in my early 20's, quite simply because the mini bloodmobile came to my work place. I put pressure on myself to continue giving blood and although I have been in accidents I have never needed it but you never know when you might need it."

Anyone aged between 17-65, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor. There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years. To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk.