A BURY man has received an award for making 75 blood donations.

Engineering manager Volker Bunte (45), of Inglewood Close, started giving blood in 1982 after being inspired to help others. He said: "There is always a need for blood, so I wanted to help. I know it is important. My mother-in-law needed transfusions during treatment for kidney cancer and is now OK. Without the blood she would not be here."

The awards to thank the region's most dedicated donors were presented at the ceremony at Lancashire Cricket Club's Old Trafford ground by 13-year-old James Bowden. At the age of six he was diagnosed with leukaemia and needed blood transfusions.

In a speech to the donors, he said: "I know that giving blood is important. When I was six I got leukaemia and as well as the medication I needed a lot of blood transfusions. Without that blood given by people like you, I would not be here today. I can't thank you enough as you have given me a second chance in life, and it is a great honour to be here today to present these awards."

Rachel Roberts, spokeswoman for the National Blood Service, said: "Reaching such a large number of donations is a remarkable achievement. Of the UK population who could give blood, only five per cent actually do, and less than one per cent of them go on to reach 75 donations. Our thanks go to Volker for his wonderful dedication." The next blood donation session in Bury is on Tuesday September 5 at the Bethesda Church on Parkhills Road between 1.30pm and 3.30pm and between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

Anyone aged between 17 and their 60th birthday, weighing more than 50kg (7 stone 12 lbs.) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a donor. For more information call 0845 7 711 711.