A BLOOD donor from Corsham was proud to donate his 100th pint of blood after 40 years of service.

The Rudloe resident, Clive Beattie, began donating in 1974 as an 18-year-old and now gives blood every 12 weeks in Chippenham, Melksham and Corsham ever since being inspired by a friend in the military.

The 59-year-old Mr Beattie, who is one of the two per cent of people to have a blood group B rhesus negative, reached the milestone donation on September 23 at Chippenham Town Hall and his next one is on December 30.

“It’s taken me 41 years to get to 100,” said Mr Beattie. “I am just proud I have been able to help people over all these years.”

“It’s all about helping out people,” said Mr Beattie. “After donating my 25th pint of blood, I thought, I have got this far, now I want to reach 50, then 75 and now I’ve reached 100.

“I won’t give up now. I want to carry on as long as it’s possible.”

He will attend a presentation evening for blood donors in the coming months.

“It’s just a very enjoyable night meeting the people who receive the blood and the other donors,” he said.

“I met a 21-year-old and she thanked us, which was really good, but we were just glad to help her through her illness.”