Dedicated blood donors from south Norfolk have been honoured during a recent awards ceremony.

Residents from the Diss and Thetford areas were among 82 long-serving donors recognised by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).

Barbara Jeffries, of Shelfanger, Michael Mortlock, of Thrandeston, near Diss, Daniel Mead, of Elveden and Elizabeth King, of Cranwich, near Thetford, each received a crystal plate in recognition of donating blood 75 times.

The donor awards ceremony took place on August 3 at Chilford Hall near Cambridge to honour 82 people across East Anglia who have donated more than 5,000 pints between them.

Andrew Pearce, head of advocacy at NHSBT, said: 'It's humbling to be amongst so many committed blood donors. Only a very small number of people reach the 75 and 100 donation milestones so these donors should be very proud of their achievements. Our regular donors really are the backbone of our service and we are grateful for every single donation we receive.'

Anyone wanting to donate for the first time should be aged between 17 and 65, weighing at least 50kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health.

For more information, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk