A grandmother who has been donating blood for more than 50 years is urging more people to sign up and give blood.

Janet Carter of Henham started giving blood with her then boyfriend Terry Carter at the age of 18, and has now been honoured for donating 100 pints.

Mrs Carter, 73, has donated at four different venues over the years, and is only a few pints ahead of her husband who is set to reach the same milestone this year.

She was invited to a special ceremony at Norwich City Football Ground last Friday, organised by NHS Blood and Transplant, to pick up a framed certificate and engraved coin.

Mrs Carter said: “I started donating in Beccles at Blyburgate Hall in 1960. Terry was going and suggested I go along too.

“To start with I was a bit apprehensive but quite honestly there is nothing to it.

“It is just good to think that you are doing something to help.”

Mrs Carter stopped donating for a few years when she had her two children and started again in 1968.

The couple moved to Lowestoft and continued their donations in the town, before travelling to donate at Southwold and then Wenhaston Village Hall, where they still donate.

Mrs Carter gives blood three times a year and the couple even plan their holidays around the dates when you can give blood.

Mrs Carter said: “You never know who is receiving your blood but you know it is going to help someone who needs it.

“And my blood group can be given to anyone in an emergency which is good.

“Blood is always needed and what it gives is vital. It can bring back a smile.”

Mrs Carter has vowed to keep donating as long as she is fit and healthy and wants to encourage more people to sign up.

She said: “I would encourage anyone who is able to do it.

“It takes three quarters of an hour at the most and afterwards you sit with a cup of tea and a biscuit and the people who do it are so friendly.”

Places to donate blood locally include Belsey Bridge Conference Centre in Ditchingham, Jubilee Hall in Loddon, Wenhaston Village Hall, Hopton Village Hall and St Margaret’s Church Hall in Lowestoft.

Have you received a special award? Email amy.smith@archant.co.uk or call 01502 712060.