The ambulance service received 905 calls on New Year's Eve.

Paramedics faced a busier night yesterday than they did the previous year as they answered nearly 61 more calls.

During their busiest period, between midnight and 1am, the service received 155 calls.

Demand is expected to remain high today and throughout the weekend of the year and people are urged to use the NHS 111 service and only call 999 in the event of a "life-threatening or serious injury".

Chief executive of the ambulance service, Philip Astle, thanked staff and volunteers for their efforts.

He said: “I’d like to thank every single member of staff and volunteer for their hard work over the last few weeks. We’ve seen some very busy days, especially in the week leading up to Christmas and, as ever, everyone has risen to the challenge to ensure the demand met.

“Working for the ambulance service is never easy but spending time away from family and loved ones when others are celebrating can make it even tougher. Throughout SECAmb there are examples of staff and volunteers who have gone the extra mile to make working at this time of year easier for everyone.

“I’d also like to thank members of the public for their continued support. In the middle of winter, we know that we are going to have some very busy days ahead and the support and understanding of the public is very much appreciated.”

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