The ambulance service is asking the public for its support ahead of what is expected to be a busy Easter weekend.

South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) is preparing for the hectic period by reminding people to keep an eye on any elderly or vulnerable family or friends.

The trust is also expecting its call handlers will be in high demand, and people are only to dial 999 in an emergency.

Having handled more than 10,000 calls across Kent, Surrey and Sussex between Good Friday and Easter Monday last year, the trust is preparing for even more this year and has its NHS 111 service on hand to help.

Handlers for 111 are also expecting high demand having taken around 23,000 calls across Easter last year – an average of four calls a minute.

SECAmb is urging the public to check medicine cabinets and ensure that repeat prescriptions are picked up before the Bank Holiday weekend.

Andy Cashman, paramedic and head of contingency planning and resilience, said: "We always plan ahead for times when we know demand is likely to be higher and this weekend is no exception.

"The extended Easter bank holiday typically sees further increases in demand placed upon our resources.

"Our staff in our 999 and 111 control rooms along with our road crews will be working extremely hard to get patients the help they need.

"We’re asking the public for their help by remembering that 999 should be reserved for serious emergencies. If a call isn’t related to something serious or life-threatening it will be categorised as a lower priority call and may receive a longer response or clinical advice over the phone.

"Anyone faced with an emergency shouldn’t hesitate to call but we would urge anyone else who needs help to consider all the other options available to them."