A woman from the borough has donated her 100th pint of blood to help those in desperate need.

Patricia West, 74, from Highfield Road in Biggin Hill, achieved the landmark at St Mark's Church last week.

The retired teacher, who in the past taught in Hayes and later Beckenham, started providing the lifeline aged just 18.

Fifty-six years on, on Friday May 2, she reached her centenery.

Her husband Brian was very proud and said his wife "serves as an inspiration to us all".

The NHS blood and transplant service rewards regular volunteers with a certificate and 'diamond award pack' as part of a reward scheme.

Every 10 pints could save as many as three lives, so Mrs West's contribution may well have helped around 300 people over the years.

The average adult has about 10 pints of blood in his or her body. Around one pint is given during a donation.