Having donated a 100 pints of blood Ian Watts has set his sights on a double century.

The 51-year-old accountant was recently honoured at a ceremony organised by the NHS Blood and Transplant at The Hilton London Green Park Hotel.

“I was the youngest there,” said Ian . “There was man on my table who was 77 and still giving blood so I’m sure I can make it to 150 pints and why not 200?”

Ian’s dedication to donation is all the more laudable as he admits he “can’t stand needles”!

He first gave blood as 17-year-old while working at IBM in Hursley. He admits he did feel some ill effects after cycling home and playing cricket but this didn’t deter him from rolling up his sleeves on a regular basis over the next 34 years.

Ian formerly of Chilworth attended North Baddesley Primary School and Mountbatten School but now lives in Otford in Kent.

Over the years he has given blood three to four times a year but for the last two years he has been donating every eight weeks as part of study run by the transfusion service to see if people can give more frequently.

Each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people, so Ian have helped with the treatment of 300 people.

He’s seen the benefits at first hand as his eldest son, who suffers from bowel condition, has received several blood transfusions.

Dominic Sutherland, lead donor relations manager at NHS Blood and Transplant, said at the ceremony: "We would like to thank these donors for their commitment and dedication. They are an inspiration to us all and we hope that others will follow in their footsteps. If these donors have inspired you, please register to donate now, as we always need new donors. It is such a simple act, but can make a huge difference to someone in need.”

November through to the New Year is challenging time for blood stocks – hospitals in England and Wales will need up to half a million units of blood to see them through the period.

However over the Christmas season giving blood can slip off people’s to-do list, putting pressure on stocks.

Anyone aged between 17 - 65, weighing more than 50 kg (seven stone 12lbs), and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor. There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

For more information or to book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk