New Year revellers in Suffolk and Essex are being urged to take steps to avoid an emergency during celebrations by the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST).

The region’s ambulance service received on average three calls a minute on New Year’s Day 2017, which was its busiest day of last winter.

The service received more than 4.200 calls on January 1 and says it traditionally receives an increase in alcohol-fuelled incidents during this time of year.

The call to revellers comes after three very busy days following the festive period, with nearly 12,000 999 calls for ambulances received across the region between December 26-28.

Kevin Brown, Director of Service Delivery for EEAST, said: “New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is traditionally our busiest time of the year.

“Winter is an incredibly busy time of the year for the ambulance service. We are prepared for an increase in demand and have extra staff on duty to help patients in their community.

“However, we will always prioritise the most seriously injured or ill first which may mean additional waiting time for others.

“No one wants to end up in the back of an ambulance on a night out, so we’d urge everyone to wrap up warm if they are going out on New Year’s Eve, drink in moderation, look after their friends and to plan their journey home responsibly.”