THREE long-standing blood donors have been honoured for rolling up their sleeves to help save lives.

Pauline Bennison, Dave Travis and Jen Capewell were recognised by NHS Blood and Transplant for reaching 75 donations each.

And they were presented with a commemorative crystal plate to mark their achievements during a ceremony at the Crathorne Hall Hotel.

Mrs Bennison, 59, of Northallerton , has been a blood donor for 37 years. “It’s easy, convenient and it helps save lives – plus you get tea and biscuits.” she said.

Mr Travis, 56 and also of Northallerton, first started donating blood to get out of a maths and science lesson at college around 40 years ago.

The fleet maintenance officer said: “As a nation, we need to keep out health service public. It is there for everyone, no matter where they fit in in our society. I will always give my blood freely to help others.”

Richmond woman Mrs Capewell, 69, has been a donor for 50 years and was inspired to give blood by Tony Hancock’s famous blood donor sketch.

A retired civil servant and yoga teacher, she said she had kept giving over the years as her husband had made more than 100 donations - and she wanted a crystal plate to match the crystal decanter he received for reaching the century.

To become one of the life-savers of the future, make an appointment to attend a local donor session either by calling 0300 123 2323 or visiting the website blood.co.uk