FOUR blood donors have been honoured after helping to save 900 hospital patients.

The group, from the Northallerton area, were among 47 donors given a crystal award for their efforts at a ceremony to pay tribute to donors from across Teesside and North Yorkshire.

Harold Jackson, Alan Kane, David Robinson and Joseph Wright were all honoured after they reached their 75th donation.

Mr Kane, 58, said: gA friend of mine was hurt in an accident and needed transfusions. Giving blood will not hurt you, but it will help others.h The donors were presented their award by Father Brian Turnbull, who received a transfusion as he recovered from aplastic anaemia, a life-threatening bone-marrow disorder.

He praised the efforts of all the donors, saying: gYou have saved my life. I would have died if it were not for donors like you, so I thank you for helping me and so many other people.h Amy Lansdown-Nasson, from the National Blood Service (NBS), said: gAt a time when blood stocks are particularly low, loyal donors like these are invaluable.

gNorthallerton needs nearly 200 units of blood every month, and the NBS needs every drop to save lives.

gLong-standing blood donors are the backbone of the NBS and, without their dedication, countless families could be mourning the loss of a loved one.h For your nearest blood donor session, see The Northern Echo every Monday.