It was team work that did the trick, with more than one third of all blood and plasma donations at Tamworth Donor Centre attributed to a Lifeblood team - whether that be a business, sporting or community group.

More than 300 people in the city decided to donate for the very first time last year.

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"We asked a lot, as the need for blood continued under a national pandemic," the Red Cross's Ruth Harrison told the Leader.

"For Lifeblood and all our blood donors, 2020 was a year unlike any other.

"We'd like to pay a special thank you to our army of local lifesavers, we can't wait to see what 2021 brings, and what Tamworth donors can achieve for their local community this year."

Different teams took on different challenges, including local real estate agents getting into a friendly but fierce competition, and Tamworth Regional Council taking a jab at the local government contest.

"2020 saw Tamworth Regional Council named the nation's second most generous when it comes to donating, and our local real estate blood drive collectively helped to save 300 lives," Ms Harrison said.

Appointments for groups or individuals can be made by calling the local Lifeblood centre, or booking online.