MORE than 50 North Yorkshire County Council workers have been helping out with the national blood shortage during a mobile clinic.

For one woman, it was the 36th time she has given blood.

Personnel advisor Anna Ramsden is a regular blood donor and has also donated her bone marrow in the past.

She said: "Through being a blood donor I was asked if I was interested in being a bone marrow donor and in 1999 was contacted because I was a close match to a baby boy in Utrecht.

"Eventually, I went to the RVI, in Newcastle, underwent a small procedure, which was very easy.

"I had no ill effects from donating bone marrow and I was glad to help."

Mobile clinics take place at County Hall, Northallerton, twice a year.

At the most recent clinic, almost seven gallons of blood was collected.

The council leader, Councillor John Weighell, said: "I really must commend all county council staff who gave blood.

"There is a national shortage and I am proud that our staff did their bit to alleviate it.

"As for Anna, her generosity seems to know no bounds, and she is a great example to us all."