BLOOD donors from Newton Abbot were honoured for their commitment to saving lives at an award ceremony at Bovey Castle, Moretonhampstead.
Four donors, Ernest Edmonds, Maurice Theobald, Geoffrey Bonell and Thelma De St Croix have between them given an incredible 325 units of blood.
The ceremony was the National Blood Service's (NBS) way of saying thank you to their lifesaving actions.
A crystal decanter was presented to Mr Edmonds, who donated 100 units, and a crystal plate was awarded to the other donors who have each given 75 units.
Fay Simcox, spokesman for the NBS, said: 'Every donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people, so those awarded could have potentially helped save 9,450 lives.
'We would like to thank the continuing support of these donors, it is a phenomenal amount!
'They have made a lifetime commitment to helping others and have made a difference to so many lives.'
There to present the awards was Melanie Smart, a blood recipient from Honiton.
After giving birth to her fourth child by Caesarean, she was found to have amniotic fluid in her bloodstream – a condition that causes blood to lose the ability to clot.
She received 26 units of blood and was placed in a medically induced coma for 48 hours to allow her body to settle.
When speaking to the donors at the awards she said: 'Although I was incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful team of surgeons around me I wouldn't be here if the blood I needed was not available.
'I owe my life to you. Because of you I will see my children grow up, marry and have children of their own.'
The NBS are constantly looking for new donors to meet the constant demand for blood supplies.
You may be able to become a blood donor if you are aged between 17-59, weigh over 7st 12lb (50kg) and are in good health. Regular donors can keep on donating until they are 70.
For further information or to make an appointment to donate call the NBS helpline on 0845 7 711 711 or visit the website at http://www.blood.co.uk">www.blood.co.uk.