Council staff and members, who take a break from their work to donate blood, have been thanked with a special commemorative plaque from the NBS, in recognition of their contributions.

Since 2006, colleagues and councillors have rolled up their sleeves 232 times to donate blood to the service's blood mobile, which visits South Shields Town Hall up to four times a year.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Coun John Anglin, said: "Giving blood helps save thousands of lives every year, and the support of the public is vital in ensuring there's a supply of blood.

"There is a continuous need for blood donors to help maintain healthy stocks for hospitals so they can carry out life saving surgery or treatments for patients.

"And we should be willing to give. After all, we never know when we or a member of our family might need it.

"The council is a strong supporter of the NBS and all its work, and we are delighted to receive this award as recognition."