STUDENTS at Worcester Sixth Form College have received top marks for giving blood donations a real shot in the arm.

College pupils, and staff, were recently recognised by the National Blood Service for holding successful donor sessions for more than seven years.

They were given a special plaque as part of the "A lot to say thank you for" campaign, which rewards any institution that has held sessions for more than two year.

In total, students and staff have clocked up 1,160 donations. This is enough to help save the lives of 3,480 patients, as one donation can be used on three people.

These thousands of pints could also have made a real difference to patients at Worcestershire hospitals, which require over 19,000 units of blood every year.

"We are very proud to be presented with this award and hope that it prompts more students to give blood as I'm sure they are needed," said Debbie Bellfield, who organises the sessions at Worcester Sixth Form College.

Theo Clarke, of the National Blood Service, said: "We are especially pleased to present this award to student blood donors as they are an important part of our donor base.

"We lose 15 per cent of donors every year due to retirement, relocation and ill-health so we are always in need of some 'new blood'!

"With 50 new donors registered at the most recent session, the students are obviously keen to be blood donors. We just hope that they will continue to give blood into their adult life."

Anyone who would like to know more about becoming a blood donor should contact the National Blood Service Helpline on 08457 711711 or visit www.blood.co.uk