Four in ten people in Grampian have signed up to the NHS organ donor register, according to new figures.

Over the last five years the percentage of north-east residents on the register has risen from 30% in 2007, to 40% this year.

With more than 219,000 north-east residents willing to donate their organs, the NHS Grampian register is above the 30% national average for sign-ups.

Shona Will, 44, from Aberdeen, who received a kidney transplant, unveiled the latest figures on Tuesday and thanked the people of Grampian for their generosity.

She said: "This is a fantastic achievement and shows how kind-hearted people are in the north east.

"I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the NHS organ donor register, it’s changed my life.

"There’s not a day goes by without me thinking about my donor. I thank them every day for taking the time to join the register. As much as this is a great achievement we still need more people to add their name and help others after they’ve gone."

Dr Paul Holder, NHS Grampian clinical lead for organ donation, said: "People living in Grampian have shown tremendous generosity with record increases in our sign up figures for the NHS organ donor register.

"It’s testament to their selfless spirit and to the work of everyone involved in organ donation to help raise awareness and encourage more people to join the register.

"We can all help others after we’ve gone and I would urge anyone who has not already done so, to make their wishes known by signing the register today, and offer the gift of life. Just as important, remember to discuss your decision with your next of kin, so they know what you want when the time comes."

For more information on organ donation, visit the STV Health Centre, brought to you by NHS inform.