The London Ambulance Service is urging Sutton people to prepare ahead of Christmas and only call for an ambulance in a genuine emergency.

People are advised to visit a walk-in-centre or call 111 for minor illnesses and injuries and to consider making their own way to the hospital in cases that are not an emergency.

It is also suggested to have enough of any necessary medication to last the holidays, to wrap up warm when going outside and to look after vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours over christmas.

Phil Powell ambulance operations manager for St Helier said: "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."