The number of people saved through kidney donations in Bradford has reached a two-year high, with 23 people undergoing the life-saving operation last year.

A further 27 patients had their lives saved or dramatically improved through other organ donations in the year ending in March 2003.

Another 32 had their sight restored through cornea transplants.

Jayne Fisher, regional transplant co-ordinator for Yorkshire, said the increases were a result of an audit carried out into organ donation levels at intensive care units across Yorkshire.

"We've seen potential donors that have been missed and gone back to the hospital and asked why that person wasn't referred" she said.

"They thought the person was too old or unsuitable, but what we are seeing now is that more are being referred to us."

The only patients ruled out from giving organs are those with HIV or Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (CJD).

Upper age limits for those donating has also raised.

"On kidneys we will consider anyone up to the age of 75, and with livers there is no upper age limit. The oldest liver donor we have had was 84," Mrs Fisher said.

As well as being able to transplant the main organs, surgeons are now able to use many parts of the body, including skin, bones, the small bowel, tendons and cartilage.

Mrs Fisher said organ donation can also help grieving families get something positive out of the tragic loss of a loved one.

"All of the families that went on to donate said it had been a positive outcome for them," she said.

"We give the donor family some basic details about the recipient and they get some about the donor family.

"They are encouraged to write and say thank you to the donor family."

More than 1.2 million people added their names to the NHS Organ Donor Register last year - the biggest increase in three years.

But carrying a donor card alone is not enough.

"People should discuss with their families what they would like done in the event of their death," Mrs Fisher said.

"They should discuss what organs or tissues they want to donate."

To register with the Organ Donor Register, call 0845 6060400 or visit the website www.uktransplant.org.uk