A BIG-hearted Alcester man with a rare blood type has been recognised at a lavish awards ceremony after donating more than 100 pints of the red stuff. 

The National Blood Service held a ceremony to celebrate 41 region’s top donors at the Chateau Impney in Droitwich recently. 

Michael Wharrad, aged 73, gave his first pint of blood at Redditch Town Hall in 1962.

"It was something I always wanted to do," he said. 

"I am a healthy person and it is an honour to give back to the country- people need blood and I am prepared to give it.

Redditch born Mr Wharrad, who is A-, shares his blood type with just seven per cent of the UK’s population and has joined the fewer than one per cent of donors reaching the 100 pint milestone. 

He moved to Alcester after marrying his first wife, but continued giving blood at Alcester Members Club. 

Mr Wharrad, who lives with his wife Judith in Hertford Road, is committed to continuing giving blood and to date has donated 102 pints.

"It doesn’t hurt and you get a cup of tea and biscuit- a lot of people have a talk about how many times they have given blood and it is very interesting," he added. 

"I like doing it. I wouldn’t do it if it hurt."

Blood donation is open to most fit and healthy people aged between 17 and 66 but only four per cent of the population give regularly. 

People over 70 can only continue to give blood if they have done so in the last two years.