WHEN local hero Bernard Brundrett answered a call to give blood almost half a century ago he only managed to donate a few drops.

As a result he was determined to return to prove that he could manage a pint.

Now the 64-years-old Atherton grandfather has received a crystal platter from the National Blood Service for presenting 75 life saving units.

And in appealing for more donors the organisation has praised his dedication to the service and thanked him for his support in helping scores of patients.

Bernard, of Linden Avenue, Atherton, who retired from the National Computer Centre in Manchester, is head of a blood giving family.

His silver medallist wife Margaret was a regular donor until arthritis put a stop to her generosity, and their three daughters Catherine, 39, Janet, 38, and Susan, 35, are also on the register. His five grandchildren are too young -- at the moment.

Bernard said: "It all started in the 50s when I was about 18. I had trouble with the first donation, but ever since its been a doddle. There's nothing to it and it's nothing to make a fuss about.

"The best laugh I've had is when one chap asked if they could take it from his left arm because he was playing darts with the right that evening."

A spokesperson for the NBS in the north west, Emma Heeson, said: "Ten thousand blood donors are needed every day to meet hospital demand. People like Bernard are a credit to their local community."

She said new donors are needed throughout the country and anyone aged between 17 and 60, 17-70 for regular donors, in good health and weighing over 50kg could support the campaign.