Keighley Cougars and their supporters were presented with an award by the National Blood Service (NBS) on Wednesday.

The Supporter Loyalty Award was presented in recognition of continued support of the club, which hosts regular blood donor sessions at the stadium.

Chief executive Colin Farrar received the award on behalf of the donors.

The awards are part of the NBS's "A Lot To Say Thank You For" campaign, which aims to thank and reward blood donors, supporters and staff who help to improve the lives of thousands of sick and injured people every year.

Laura Summers, spokeswoman for the NBS, said the award was a way of acknowledging the generosity and accommodating attitude of the club.

She said: "The award is to thank all the blood donors who come here to donate -- you really are making a difference to local patients, so please keep up the good work."

Blood donors are invited to sessions throughout Keighley in November. They are at the Airedale Church, in North Street, on Monday, and November 24, 2 to 4pm, and 5 to 7.30pm; Salvation Army Hall, in High Street, on November 17, 2 to 4pm, and 5 to 7.30pm; and the Community Centre, in Haworth, on November 23, 1.30 to 4.30pm.

The next session at the Keighley Cougars Hall of Fame is on Tuesday, 2.30 to 4pm and 5 to 7.30pm.

Donors should be between 17 and 60 years of age, in general good health and weigh more than 50kg (7st 12lb).

To register as bone marrow donor or for further information, call the 24-hour national donor helpline on 0845 7711 711 or visit the web site at www.blood.co.uk.