FOUR Ribble Valley men have received special awards for their life-giving donations.

Each of the men have attended blood donor sessions in Clitheroe's St Mary's Parish Hall over many years.

Harold Howorth, 69, of Victoria Street, Clitheroe, has notched up no fewer than 101 donations - more than 12 gallons of blood - since he first began in 1965. He was congratulated and awarded a Wedgewood plate by Clitheroe Town Mayor Coun Alan Yearing at a ceremony in the Mayor's Parlour.

Mr Howorth said he thought if in the future he needed any blood he will have contributed to other patients. He also enjoyed attending the sessions.

"It is something which I feel is very worth-while and also an excellent health check as your blood pressure is checked and it can mean the early detection of certain complaints such as diabetes," said Mr Howorth, who can carry on donating until he is 70.

Certificates and pins were also awarded to three other potential life-savers: Terry Tyne of Buccleuch Avenue, Clitheroe, Alan Aspin of Moorland Crescent, Clitheroe, and Alan Parker of Smithies Bridge Far, Sawley, for each having given 50 donations.

Mr Parker said he was persuaded to attend a session after hearing about a close friend who died of leukaemia and had needed transfusions. He decided it was a good way of helping people less fortunate than himself.

Mr Aspin began giving blood in 1963. His daughter has recently become a donor.

Mr Tyne has regularly donated since joining the service in 1983. "It is a good way of helping others," he said.

The National Blood Service exists to supply blood and blood products to patients throughout the country. It says: "We must collect 10,000 units of blood each day in order to meet hospital needs and we rely on the generosity of our blood donors coming forward."

Enquiries about local sessions can be made by ringing the National Blood Service, in Lancaster, on 01524 840438.