A GENEROUS Headless Cross man who has given 99 pints of blood is "gutted" after realising he is too old to reach his 100-pint target.

Dennis Hatton, of Hanover Court, off Evesham Road, has been rolling up his sleeves for the National Blood Service (NBS) since 1953 and was eagerly awaiting the chance to give his 100th pint of blood.

But after turning 70 on Christmas Day, he received a letter from the NBS saying he was no longer eligible to give blood.

In the letter, dated December 29, chief executive Martin Gorham thanked Mr Hatton for his ''valuable and immeasurable contribution'' and enclosed a certificate as a mark of appreciation.

But he said under current regulations, donations could not be accepted from anyone aged over 70.

Mr Hatton, who gave blood regularly at St Luke's Memorial Hall, said: "Looking at the number 99 on my certificate just makes me irritated - it looks incomplete. I was absolutely gutted that I'd missed out by one pint."

But he said he was still determined to help the NBS - through others.

He said: "I may be too old to give blood but I can still do my bit for the community and encourage others to go along."

For details about donor sessions in the Redditch area, call the NBS on 08457 711711 or visit www.blood.co.uk