An ambulance boss has urged people only to dial 999 in a genuine emergency this Christmas.

Steve Colhoun, the ambulance operations manager for Edmonton and Chase Farm, warned that medical services would be stretched this holiday season.

He said: “We are reminding people in Edmonton and Chase Farm to keep well this winter and choose the right place to treat their health problems.

“While some out-of-hours GPs will be available, it might be difficult to get medicines over the bank holidays. It is important people make sure they have enough of their medication to last over the holiday period.

“Our priority is to get to the most seriously ill and injured patients as soon as possible. Please help us by only calling 999 in a real emergency, and seeking help elsewhere for less serious problems.”