COMPANIES who encourage and support workers to give blood have been recognised at an awards ceremony held by the National Blood Service.

Companies and donor organisations received Supporter Loyalty Awards at the Tall Trees Hotel, in Yarm, as a way of thanking and acknowledging their support.

Representatives from EDS Credit Services in Stockton and KP Foods in Billingham were among the companies presented with awards. Other recipients were BASF plc, Cleveland Police, Fine Organics, Huntsman Petrochemicals UK Limited, Middlesborough General Hospital, Conoco Phillips, the James Cook University Hospital, Prior Pursglove College in Guisborough and Cleveland Potash in Saltburn.

Laura Summers, spokeswoman for the National Blood Service said: "This is an extremely important service to the NHS - the Darlington Memorial Hospital alone needs a weekly supply of nearly 100 units of blood, which means 100 people rolling up their sleeves every week.

"Staff at these companies have made a significant contribution to local patients needing blood."

Anyone who wants to give blood is asked to call the National Donor Helpline on 0845 7 711 711 to find out where you can donate blood or to obtain information on hosting a company session, or log on to www.blood.co.uk.