A dedicated blood donor has been recognised for his devotion to the cause after giving his 100th donation.

Brian Munns, 70, has been praised by NHS Blood and Transplant for his loyalty and commitment at an awards ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.

Mr Munns, a retired machine operator from Halfway, received a medal and certificate for reaching the milestone.

Each donation can save the lives of up to three people. So as Mr Munns has given blood 100 times, he has potentially helped save, or improve the lives of, up to 300 patients.

Out of the three per cent of the eligible population who give blood, just one per cent reaches 100 donations.

Mr Munns first donated blood on July 30, 1979, aged 32.

The father-of-three said: “I was on a few days’ holiday in Shoeburyness with my sister Brenda when I first donated.

“She had an blood donation appointment and asked if I would take her. While I was there, I signed up to join the club.

“I told them I didn’t live in Essex and they said it wouldn’t be a problem and that they would transfer my documents, which they did, and I have been going on the Island ever since.”

Mr Munns gave his 100th donation on Friday, May 12, and he shows no sign of letting up as he prepares to attend his 101st session on October 9.

On whether he thinks more people should give blood, he said: “Most definitely. All blood is important.

“To me blood means life. It gives life and helps preserve life.

“My advice to people thinking about donating is, don’t think about it just do it.

“Although I never know who is receiving the blood, I know that it’s helping someone maintain life or gives them life they didn’t have before.

“It’s very satisfying to think you can help someone.”

If you are fit and healthy, weigh more than 7st 12 lb (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood.

Anyone over 70 needs to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating. To book an appointment, call the donor line on 0300 1232323 or visit blood.co.uk