Taking a wrong turn led to a man donating 75 pints of blood -- but not in one go.

Mr Carberry

At a ceremony to mark the achievement, Matthew Carberry, pictured, was presented with a crystal plate by the National Blood Service.

Mr Carberry, 54, of Windle Gardens, Bicester, said he became a blood donor by chance.

He said: "It was in January 1969 and I was living in Glasgow, having recently left the armed services.

"One day I decided to walk to the cinema.

"Being new to the area I took the wrong turn and found myself staring down an alley at a sign saying 'blood donors'. My curiosity led me inside. The next thing I knew I'd given blood."

Mr Carberry, a former NHS worker turned press operator, added: "It's great to receive my emerald award for 75 pints and I'm hoping to reach my 100th donation in around six to seven years' time."

Jude Pamington, of the National Blood Service, said by donating 75 pints of blood he could have helped save the lives of more than 200 people.

She said: "Matthew has shown tremendous dedication to life-saving."