ONE hundred and two pints of the red stuff before his 70th birthday has earned a Hereford blood donor much deserved acclaim on his retirement.

George Field from Tupsley had to put away his blood donor badge for the last time as he celebrated his birthday last week, and the National Blood Service couldn't thank him enough for his support since 1956.

A cricket umpire, George is proud to be 102 not out.

He could have helped save the lives of 306 people during this time, but claims his achievement was easy.

"Blood donation isn't anything to feel nervous about, or to be scared of. I would say to anyone that is nervous about donating to relax and go and do it," he said.

The Hereford and Worcester blood collection team is sorry to lose such a dedicated donor and hope George encourages others to follow in his footsteps.

"All our blood donors are amazing people who are saving lives every day, however George's dedication to aiming to reach 102 donations is outstanding," said the service's Rebecca Hosgood.