A shop manager who kickstarted a blood-donation drive for Polish immigrants says the response has been “fantastic”.

We previously reported how Andrzej Rygielski, who moved to Minster from Poland 10 years ago, came up with the idea as an act against tension between immigrants and some members of the community.

Mr Rygielski, 52, coordinator of Polonia Together Political Club for England, wanted to do something to counter a planned strike by Polish workers against their treatment by some sections of the community and highlight the contribution made by his countrymen.

People who took part flooded social media with pictures of themselves giving blood with the hashtag #Polishblood.

Mr Rygielski said an estimated 3,000 donors took part in the campaign.

It was praised by social media users, including comedian Ben Miller who tweeted: “So moved by #PolishBlood campaign. Makes me very proud of mine.”

Giles Goodall posted: “Bloody Poles, coming over here... donating their blood! #PolishBlood”.

Mr Rygielski, who manages a shop in The Broadway, Minster, said: “I’m very pleased because we managed to express our point of view about the situation of the Poles in this country.

“Everything went fantastic because we were able to address our contribution to this country.”