DONORS in the North-East are very good at responding to appeals for more blood, according to Dr Hazel Tinegate.

A consultant in hospital liaison at the regional blood centre in Newcastle, Dr Tinegate says donors have an excellent record. "I think the North-East is particularly good at this. We have a very loyal donor base and they always come forward when we ask them to," she adds.

The announcement by Health Secretary Dr John Reid last week that anyone who has had a blood transfusion since 1980 would not be allowed to give blood from April 5 was a blow to the service, she acknowledges.

"We were all concerned that an announcement like that might put people off," says Dr Tinegate, who is hoping that The Northern Echo campaign will help to plug the gaps in the ranks of blood donors.

"We certainly have some absolutely fantastic donors who get no tangible reward, just the knowledge that they have done a really good thing," she adds. "There are badges and commemorative plates for people who have given many units of blood over the years. It is our small way to say thank you."