THEY'RE the donors who keeping on giving.

A dedicated band of blood and platelet donors from Dorset who have made more than 1,200 donations between them have been honoured for their loyalty and commitment.

NHS Blood and Transplant held a special event at Haynes International Motor Museum in Yeovil to honour the 10 blood donors and one platelet donors who have potentially saved more than 3,500 lives.

Among those recognised was 71-year-old Russell Ash from Weymouth, who first donated back in 1968 and has gone on to make a further 100 contributions.

He said: "I know how vitally blood is needed, for five years until I retired I worked for the ambulance service.

"My wife Yvonne also needed blood after several operations and so did my sadly departed dad who had a triple heart bypass.

"Giving blood only takes about 45 minutes and is very worthwhile."

Steve Whyte, 60, also from Weymouth, has been giving blood for more than 30 years after wanting to help others.

He said: “Giving blood is easy, straight forward and makes a big difference to people’s lives. My father needed blood due to a blood disorder.”

Deputy mayor of Dorchester Robert Potter, 67, has been giving blood for 49 years, He said: "My mother received blood when I was born so encouraged me to payback for the blood she received.

"Blood is always needed and the staff taking my blood have always been cheerful, friendly and helpful."

Platelet donor Graham Durkin, 59, from Weymouth has been donating blood and platelets for over 35 years and has made an impressive 260 donations.

He said: “I lived near a donor centre so decided to give blood and continued ever since.

"As the population is increasing and people are living longer I think the need for blood will keep growing."

Karen Healy, senior marketing coordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “These loyal donors are very special to us, which is why such an event gives us the opportunity to say a real heartfelt thanks.

"Between them, they have saved thousands of lives and improved the lives of countless others who have required blood and platelet transfusions.

"These donors are an inspiration to us all."

To become a potential lifesaver and give blood or to find out more call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit blood.co.uk

The Dorset donors who were recognised for 100 or more donations: Leslie Crabtree, 65, Winfrith, 103 donations.

Robert Potter, 67, Dorchester, 102 donations.

Graham Durkin, 59, Weymouth, 260 donations.

Russell Ash,71, Weymouth, 101 donations.

Steve Whyte, 60, Weymouth, 100 donations.

Sylvia Rose, 76, Sherborne, 101 donations.

Roger Davies, 52, Portland, 103 donations.

Geoff Barlow, 73, Weymouth, 105 donations.

Alan Frost, 67, Dorchester, 107 donations.

John Masters, 75, Weymouth, 101 donations.

Tim Daniel, 72, Sherborne, 103 donations.