Bosses say Kent's ambulance service is under "massive pressure" as emergency crews deal with a huge increase in call-outs.

In the 24 hours between New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, South East Coast Ambulance received 2,400 999 calls in Kent and Medway - up by about 500 over the same period in 2013.

Of these calls, crews responded to 1,600, 700 of which were critical to a patient's survival or long-term outlook.

Andy Burton, clinical services manager, South East Coast Ambulance Service, said: "It's important to stress that the services are under massive pressure at this time and we all have a duty to look after the National Health Service."

"We had an extremely busy New Year's Eve this year. It does cause a lot of concern" - Andy Burton, South East Coast Ambulance Service

"We had an extremely busy New Year's Eve this year. It does cause a lot of concern. We are, throughout the whole health economy, seeing significant increases in activity in the amount of calls we're receiving for support and assistance with the general public."

Mr Burton said many of the calls were the result of alcohol-related accidents or simply drinking too much.

He said: "Some of the most common problems unfortunately on New Year's Eve continue to be drink releated so falls, trips, people just drinking too much.

"Also, there's a significant amount of coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms going around in the community. With patients with chronic problems it can affect their health."

Mr Burton said the service was supported by a number of charities including the Red Cross and St John's Ambulance.

He praised the volunteers, including the ambulance services Community First Responders, for their commitment.

To ease pressure on the health service, Mr Burton said people should only use ambulances and A&Es for real emergencies, and go to their GP or an NHS walk-in centre to get treatment for coughs, colds and minor injuries.