Glasgow's Milk Bank celebrated its 10-year anniversary. 

The national service, hosted at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, marked the event on Tuesday, by bringing together donors and staff who have contributed over the years.

Milk Bank donor co-ordinator, Debbie Barnett, said: “It was really lovely to see everyone and a great way to celebrate but also reflect. To celebrate how far the service has come and to reflect on all of the families we have helped over the years.

“For me, the most important thing is how the service has grown organically over time.

"Another big thing is how widely recognised donated human milk is becoming, it’s more accepted and people are becoming more aware of the impact it can have.”

Glasgow Times: Staff at the anniversary eventStaff at the anniversary event (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde)

Glasgow Times: Rebecca Robson, volunteer with Glasgow Breast Feeding Buddies and baby KalvynRebecca Robson, volunteer with Glasgow Breast Feeding Buddies and baby Kalvyn (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde)

Donor human milk is breastmilk donated to a human milk bank by mothers who have extra to spare. Donors are screened, including blood tests, to make sure their milk is suitable.

The milk is also tested for bacteria before being heat treated. Just like with blood donations, the milk is freely donated, and its use is tracked and recorded.

With more than 2,330 donors, the service provides support to often premature babies whose mothers may not have enough of their own breastmilk in the early days.

Kirsten Watson, CEO of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity said: “The donors and drivers who volunteer for Scotland’s Milk Bank truly are life-saving heroes, and it is our privilege to support them.

"Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity was a proud founding partner of the nationwide service in 2013, and has now invested more than £270,000 in the milk bank.

"From those humble beginnings at Yorkhill the milk bank has continued to evolve and has been a lifeline to thousands of the tiniest and most vulnerable babies across Scotland.

"Every week our volunteer drivers travel hundreds of miles to collect and deliver donor milk, and we are incredibly thankful for their dedication to our youngest patients.”